Bale latch for extendable/retractable support column

ABSTRACT

An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/551,607, filed Nov. 24, 2014, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/282,994, filed Oct. 27, 2011, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,950,125, which claimed benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) ofthe following: U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/408,423, filedOct. 29, 2010; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/412,249, filedNov. 10, 2010; and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/535,144,filed Sep. 15, 2011; all of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a support column and morespecifically to an extendable/retractable column for use in lifting andsupporting items in an elevated position, and to anextendable/retractable column that can be raised or lowered from amobile structure.

BACKGROUND

Structures that comprise one or more elements that can be linkedtogether to form a column or other structure are known in the art.Structures of this kind may be used to form an elevated platform forsupport of equipment or a person.

Extendable/retractable towers (or simply “retractable towers” as theymay be referred to herein) of this kind may be utilized forsurveillance, as mobile telecommunications towers, as supports fortemporary lighting systems, or the like. In general, retractable columnsor towers may be used for any application where it is desired to providea support for a person or equipment at an elevated location relative toits surroundings.

Although existing retractable towers have been satisfactory for someapplications, various shortcomings have limited their utility. Forexample, existing towers are often bulky, heavy and challenging totransport. This affects their ability to be delivered to remotelocations where infra-structures such as bridges and roads do not existor where infra-structures have been damaged or destroyed. Often,existing tower structures cannot be delivered until the infra-structureshave first been repaired or replaced. Once a retractable tower issuccessfully delivered, it must still be erected. With existingretractable towers this can take upwards of 1-2 hours or longer becausethey often require that the erection site must be prepared and improved.Moreover, existing tower drive mechanisms are not capable of high speedoperation. This presents a significant drawback where time is of theessence, such as in the wake of a natural disaster where criticalservices such as emergency communications need to be immediatelyreestablished or when monitoring a hostile, armed enemy under wartimeconditions. Often, existing retractable towers will not be able tosupport a required payload or withstand significant wind loads unlessfirst stabilized by a series of guy wires that prevent the tower fromtoppling and/or collapsing. Such additional requirements and theirimplementation can add significant setup time. Many existing retractabletowers are often fabricated from parts that, when in motion, generatesignificant noise levels, which can be detrimental in situations wherestealth is required. Once an existing retractable tower has been erectedand operational, there is usually nothing to protect the internalmechanical and electrical components from the environment, animals, etc.over what may be an extended time period. This is a drawback where aretractable tower must operate autonomously and is deployed for anextended period of time in a remote location. With existing retractabletowers, it often takes as much time to retract the tower as it does toerect it. This makes deployment and redeployment a long, time consumingprocess. This also presents a significant drawback because a tower mayneed to be refitted with different sensors, antennas, lighting, etc. orwhere the tower is in imminent danger of capture or destruction from ahostile enemy. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an extendableand retractable tower or column structure that addresses thesedrawbacks.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a tower assembly having anextendable/retractable column including at least three linked or chainedsections, with each linked section including a plurality of individualsegments or links that are pivotally connected to one another inend-to-end relationship, and with each linked segment laterallypositionable adjacent to at least two other segments of linked sections.Each individual segment may include an outwardly facing surface, aninwardly facing surface, a first end, a second end, and side walls thatinclude connection or engagement members that engage and couple withconnection or engagement members of laterally and vertically adjacentsegments as the column is formed. The connection or engagement membersmay extend outwardly from and be oriented parallel to the side walls ofeach individual segment. The connection members include complementarilyshaped surfaces that, when engaged and coupled with complementarilyshaped surfaces of adjacent segments allow laterally adjacent andengaged segments to form a unitary columnar structure.

The present invention further relates to an extendable/retractablecolumn including a plurality of linked or chained sections and aplurality of drive slots or ribs in at least one of said linkedsegments. The tower assembly also includes a guide assembly with a drivemember that is able to engage the slots of a segment and move thesegment to extend or retract it relative to the guide assembly. In oneembodiment the drive member is rotatable about an axis generallyparallel to the column. The drive member may take the form of a wormdrive or a power screw configured to engage the drive slots and/or ribsof the segments. Rotation of the worm drive or power screw engages thedrive slots of at least one of the linked segments and as the segment ismoved, the plurality of linked sections engage each other to form thecolumn as the linked sections are extended. The linked sectionsdisengage from each other as the linked sections are retracted. In someembodiments, pinion gears that may be generally transverse to the columnmay be used instead of worm drive or power screw.

The present invention also relates to an extendable/retractable columnincluding a plurality of linked sections each comprised of a pluralityof individual segments that are pivotally connected to one another inend-to-end relationship. Each individual segment or link includes firstand second ends and a pair of opposing sides. The ends of eachindividual segment are configured to be connected to one or more pivotsupport blocks that, when combined with pivot support blocks of anadjacent segment and a pivot shaft, form a hinge structure that connectsadjacent segments together in an end-to-end relation.

The present invention relates still further to an extendable/retractablecolumn including a plurality of linked sections each comprised of aplurality of individual segments pivotally connected to one another inend-to-end relationship that can be arranged into a multi-sided orfaceted bale form by winding and unwinding the linked sections about abale frame.

The present invention relates still further to a retaining member thatis able to maintain a multi-sided bale form in a wound state byconnecting an outer segment to a radially adjacent inner, hingedconnection as the outer segment is brought to bear against the adjacent,inner, hinged connection.

The present invention relates still further to a plurality of balesupport structures that are configured and arranged to feed bales ofwound chain sections into a guide assembly from the side and/or toreceive chain sections that exit the guide assembly and wind the chainsections about frames to form multi-sided bales.

The present invention relates still further to a cowl that may be usedto protect a bale from the environment and/or which allows the towerassembly to blend in with its surroundings.

The present invention relates still further to the dynamic connectionthat is formed between the sections and drive unit as the sections moverelative thereto.

An advantage of the present invention is that the tower assembly can berapidly deployed and set up as part of a coordinated response to anatural disaster or force majeure, where it may be used to reestablishcommunications, control air traffic, provide emergency lighting, etc.

A related advantage of the present invention is that the tower assemblymay be deployed as a weather station or a wildlife observation post.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can deployed to alocation where it can blend in with its surrounding terrain, where itcan be rapidly set up and/or struck with a minimum amount of noise andwhere it may be used in an unobtrusive manner to surveil the surroundingterrain.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can be associated withor assigned to a team as part of its hardware, and when the team movesfrom one location to another location, the tower assembly moves with theteam.

These and other features, advantages and objects of the presentinvention will be more fully described below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate aspects of the invention andtogether with the detailed description, serve to explain the principlesof the invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1a is an isometric view of an illustrative embodiment of a towerassembly in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 1b is a partial, enlarged view of the upper end of the towerassembly of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a in which acolumn of the tower assembly is in a partially extended position;

FIG. 2b is a partial, enlarged view of the upper end of the partiallyextended column of the tower assembly of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3a is an elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3b is an enlarged, elevational view of the lower end of the towerassembly of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3c is a partial, perspective view of a portion of the embodiment ofa storage and feed arrangement of FIG. 3 b;

FIG. 3d is a partial, perspective view of a portion of the storage andfeed arrangement of FIG. 3 c;

FIG. 3e is an exploded, perspective view of the portion of the feed andstorage arrangement of FIG. 3 d;

FIG. 4a is a top plan view of an embodiment of the tower assembly ofFIG. 1a , with the addition of a control box “B”;

FIG. 4b is a top plan view of the embodiment of a tower assembly of FIG.1 a;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a base used with the embodiment of FIG.1 a:

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the bottom of the tower embodiment ofFIG. 1a , with the view taken from below and to the side of the tower;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the base and the guideassembly of the tower embodiment of FIG. 1a , with the view taken frombelow and to the side of the tower;

FIG. 8 is a partial, isometric view of the tower of FIG. 1 taken fromabove and to the side of the tower, and with the view showing a base, anouter guide frame, bale support brackets and a drive module;

FIG. 9a is an exploded view of the tower assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9b is a partially exploded view of the outer frame and the balesupport brackets of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9c is a partially exploded view of the drive module of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9d is a partial, sectional, enlarged view of the embodiment of thedrive module of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 10a is an isometric view of an embodiment of a drive assembly usedin the drive module of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 10b is an exploded view of the drive assembly of FIG. 10 a:

FIG. 10c is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a linear drivemember used in the drive assembly of FIG. 10 b;

FIG. 11a is an isometric view of a surface of an embodiment of a segmentused to form a column of the tower assembly;

FIG. 11b is an elevational view of an embodiment of the segment of FIG.11a without upper and lower pivot support blocks, a pivot shaft, or anupper interconnection peg;

FIG. 11c is a partial, perspective, sectional view of an embodiment ofsome ribs that are formed when drive slots or openings are formed;

FIG. 11d is a partial, perspective, sectional view of another embodimentof some ribs that are formed when drive slots or openings are formed;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another surface of the segment of FIG.11 a;

FIG. 13a is a top edge view of the segment of FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 13b are opposing side wall elevational views of the segmentembodiment of FIG. 11 b;

FIG. 14a is an isometric view of an embodiment of a pivot support blockused to connect segments together in an end-to-end fashion;

FIG. 14b is a front elevational view of the pivot support block of FIG.14 a;

FIG. 14c is a side elevational view of the pivot support block of FIG.14 a;

FIG. 14d is an end view of the pivot support block of FIG. 14 a;

FIG. 15a is an isometric view showing an embodiment of a chained sectionof segments that have been connected to each other in an end-to-endfashion and which have been wound about itself into a bale form;

FIG. 15b is a side elevational view of the chained section of segmentsof FIG. 15a , wherein the bale has been rotated and the section has beenextended further than shown in FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 16 is an, enlarged cross-sectional, isometric view of the balestructure of FIG. 15 b;

FIG. 17a is an enlarged, sectional, fragmentary side elevational view ofan embodiment of a bale structure and an embodiment of a bale latch usedto prevent the bale structure from unraveling;

FIG. 17b is another enlarged, sectional, fragmentary side elevationalview of the bale structure and bale latch of FIG. 17a , showing the balelatch of an outer segment rotating towards a pivot shaft of an adjacentsegment connection;

FIG. 17c is another enlarged, sectional, fragmentary side elevationalview of the bale structure and bale latch of FIG. 17b , with the balelatch of an outer segment engaging the pivot shaft of an adjacentsegment connection;

FIG. 17d is a partial, cross-sectional, perspective view of the bale ofFIG. 17 c;

FIG. 18a is a side elevational view of the bale latch of FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 18b is an end view of the bale latch of FIG. 18 a;

FIG. 19 is a partial, isometric view of three partial chain sections,with upper segments of the sections interconnected with each other intoa tower/column configuration and with lower segments of the sectionssplayed away from each other;

FIG. 20 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 19, wherein the tower has been extended and the lower segments arebeing positioned for engagement with each other;

FIG. 21 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 20, wherein the tower has been extended further and the lowersegments have begun to engage each other;

FIG. 22, is a partial, isometric view of the partial sections of FIG.21, wherein the tower has been extended further and the lower segmentshave engaged each other;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, partial, isometric view of the segments of FIG.20 as they are being positioned for engagement with adjacent segments;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged, partial, isometric view of the segments of FIG.23, wherein the tower has been extended and the segments have begun toengage each other;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged, partial, isometric view of the segments of FIG.24, wherein the tower has been extended further and the segments haveengaged each other;

FIGS. 26a-26e are partial, isometric views of partial sections, whereina tower that is formed from a first tier of segments is extended to forma tower formed from two tiers of segments;

FIG. 27a is a partial, perspective view of an embodiment of a towerassembly that is in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 27b is another partial, perspective view of an embodiment of atower assembly that is in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 27C is a top plan view of the tower assembly of FIG. 27 b;

FIG. 28 is a partial, perspective view of an embodiment of a drivemodule of a tower assembly;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the drive module of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of the drive module of FIG. 28,with an embodiment of a segment being engaged by drive members and witha projection of the segment engaging a channel in a side panel of thedrive module;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the outwardly facing surface of thesegment depicted in conjunction with the drive module of FIG. 30, and anembodiment of pivot support blocks and a pivot shaft connected thereto;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the inwardly facing surface of thesegment of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a partial, perspective view of FIG. 32, in which some of theribs that define a slot set have been removed to reveal a pivot blockand a reinforcing web therebelow;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the projection of the segment andthe channel of the side panel of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the projection and channelengagement of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pivot support block;

FIG. 37a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pivot supportblock;

FIG. 37b is a top plan view of the pivot support block of FIG. 37 a;

FIG. 37c is an end view of the pivot support block of FIG. 37 a;

FIG. 38 is a partial, isometric view of three partial chain sections,with upper segments of the sections interconnected with each other intoa tower/column configuration and with lower segments of the sectionssplayed away from each other;

FIG. 39 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 38, wherein the tower has been extended and the lower segments arebeing positioned for engagement with each other;

FIG. 40 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 38, wherein the tower has been extended further and the lowersegments have engaged each other to form a tower that is two coursestall;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tower assembly thatmay include one or more protective cowls;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an outer frame that may be used withthe embodiment of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an outer frame post that may be usedwith the outer frame of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is another perspective view of the outer frame post of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is an inwardly facing perspective view of a guide module thatmay be used with the tower assembly of FIG. 41;

FIG. 46 is an outwardly facing perspective view of the guide module ofFIG. 45;

FIG. 47 an end elevational view of the guide module of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive module thatmay be used with the tower assembly of FIG. 41;

FIG. 49 is a partial enlarged view of the drive module of FIG. 48, inwhich a side panel has been removed to reveal portions of a driveassembly;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of the drive moduleof FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a top plan view of the drive assembly of FIG. 50, with thebevel gears their shafts and the center support block shown in phantom;

FIG. 52 is a partial, top plan view of some of the internal componentsof the drive assembly of FIG. 50 and with the inner housing shown inphantom;

FIG. 53 is a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the driveassembly of drive assembly of FIG. 50, the view taken from above and toone side;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 50, the viewtaken from below and to the side;

FIG. 55 is a partial, perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 50,with the view taken from below and to the side;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an outwardly facing surface of asegment that can be used in conjunction with the drive module of FIG.48, and an embodiment of pivot support blocks and a pivot shaftconnected thereto;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a inwardly facing surface of thesegment of FIG. 56, the view taken from above and to the side;

FIG. 58 is another perspective view of the inwardly facing surface ofthe segment of FIG. 56, the view taken from below and to the side;

FIG. 59 is a partial, isometric view of three partial chain sections ofsegments of FIG. 56, with upper segments of the sections interconnectedwith each other into a tower/column configuration and with lowersegments of the sections splayed away from each other;

FIG. 60 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 59, wherein the tower has been extended and the lower segments arebeing positioned for engagement with each other;

FIG. 61 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 60, wherein the tower has be further extended and the lowersegments are beginning to engage upper segments;

FIG. 62 is a partial, isometric view of the partial chain sections ofFIG. 61, wherein the tower has been extended further and the lowersegments have engaged each other both vertically and laterally to form atower that is two courses tall;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a towerassembly that may include one or more protective cowls, with one of thecowls detached from the tower assembly to reveal a bale and othermechanical components of the tower assembly;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the interior of one of the cowls ofFIG. 63; and,

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of an outer frame that may be used withthe embodiment of FIG. 63.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thetower assembly of the present invention which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The tower assembly relates to an extendable/retractable support columnor tower that can be easily transported to a location, deployed,withdrawn and transported to another location. The support column of thetower assembly is of the type which includes three or more (butpreferably three) linked sections each of which may be stored in acompact, transportable form on a rotatable take-up or delivery mechanismadjacent a support base of the tower assembly. In this type ofextendable/retractable column, each of the linked sections issimultaneously fed into a guide assembly where they are brought intoengagement with, and are connected to, an adjacent linked section toform a column. These interconnected linked sections are then drivenvertically upwardly (or extended outwardly from one end of the guideassembly) to extend the column or driven vertically downwardly (orwithdrawn into the guide assembly) to retract and disassemble thecolumn. When the column is erected, the three interconnected linkedsections form a column having a triangular cross-sectionalconfiguration.

In the present tower assembly, each of the linked sections comprises aplurality of individual segments or links that are pivotally connectedwith one another, in end-to-end relationship. Throughout theapplication, various directional and positional references will be usedsuch as upper, lower, inner, outer, etc. When used, these will generallyrefer to orientation of the individual segments or the linked sectionsin their position within an erected column. For example, the “upper”direction will be the direction toward the upper end of an extendedcolumn, while the “lower” direction will be the direction toward thelower end of an extended column. Similarly, the “inner” direction willbe the direction which faces inwardly towards the column or itsinterior, while the direction “outwardly” will be the direction whichfaces outwardly from the column.

With the above general description of the present tower assembly,detailed and illustrative examples of embodiments are described withreference to the drawings. With reference to FIGS. 1a through 6, anembodiment 118 of a tower assembly may include a base or pedestal 120, aguide assembly 140 having an outer frame 180, a drive module 141 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9 a), and a retractable column or tower 300, with sides ofthe column formed by linked sections 314, 316, 318 (see, for example,FIGS. 2b , and 19-22). Some embodiments of the tower assembly 118 have aretracted height H1 (see FIG. 3a ) of approximately one foot (0.3meter), and can be extended to a height H2 of approximately 60 feet (18meters). The tower may be provided with a cap or cover 302, with the capserving as a platform on which equipment may be placed and/or attached.The cap 302 (FIG. 2b ) may be provided with pairs of downwardlydepending ears 304 having transverse apertures 306, with the apertures306 configured and arranged to receive a pivot shaft 350 so that the cap302 may be connected to pivot support blocks 320 that extend upwardlyfrom the top most segments 245 a of the linked sections. The cap 302 mayalso be secured to the tower sections by one or more fastening elements308 that are received in apertures 332 of upper engagement members 330of the segments 245 a (see, for example, FIG. 11a , where a connectingpeg 334 is inserted into an aperture 332, and FIG. 11b , where aconnecting peg 334 has been removed from an upper engagement member330).

Starting from the bottom of the tower assembly, the base 120 may includea plate 122 (FIG. 9a ) with a horizontal surface that supports the guideassembly 140 and the tower 300. The plate 122 may include a first set ofapertures 124 and a second set of apertures 126 that may be internallythreaded so that they are able to receive fastening elements such asthreaded bolts, which can extend through apertures in the guide assembly140 and secured thereto with nuts. The fastening elements ensure thatthe components of the guide assembly may be securely and preciselyconnected to the base 120. In some embodiments, the apertures 124, 126may have smooth bores and the guide assembly includes downwardlyextending threaded fastening elements that extend through the apertures124, 126 of the plate 122 and which are secured beneath the bottom ofthe base 120 by nuts. In some embodiments, the plate 122 may be receivedwithin a recess located in the top of the base 120. The plate 122 mayalso include an aperture 128 (see FIG. 9a ) that may rotatably receive avertically oriented drive shaft 176 (see FIGS. 7 and 10 a) that extendstherethrough, and which can be connected to a lower or secondary gearbox171 located beneath the plate 122 (see FIGS. 5-7).

In order to accommodate embodiments that are able to house a lower orsecondary gearbox 171, the plate 122 may be held in an elevated positionby a skirt 130 that may form an enclosure 131 beneath the plate 122 (seeFIGS. 5-7). In embodiments where the skirt 130 forms an enclosure 131,the skirt may be provided with a portal 132 (FIGS. 5-7) through whichthe lower or secondary gearbox 171 may be accessed and manipulated via acrankshaft 173 (FIGS. 6, 7), which in turn may be provided with a handcrank as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5. In embodiments that include askirt 130 or portions of skirts, the height which the plate 122 may beelevated above its support surface (i.e. the surface upon the base 120is positioned) can have a range of approximately 1.0 inches (2.5 cm) toapproximately 18.0 inches (45.0 cm). In embodiments with such a portal132, the base 120 may also include a movable cover 134 (FIGS. 8 and 9 a)for the portal. The cover 134 may be electronically and/or mechanicallyinterlocked with the tower assembly 118 so that when the cover is movedand the portal 132 is accessed, the cover 134 disables and/or overridesautomatic operation of the tower assembly and prevents the tower frombeing accidentally or inadvertently extended or retracted. For example,when the motor of the tower assembly is in a disabled state, a user willbe able to insert an end of a crank shaft 173 into the portal 132 sothat it is able to engage the secondary gearbox 171 (see FIGS. 5-7).Engagement between the crankshaft and the gearbox may be implemented,for example, by providing the secondary gearbox with a drive socket thatis configured and arranged to receive the end of the crank shaft.

In some embodiments, base or pedestal 120 may be provided with one ormore radially extending feet 135 (FIGS. 5-8), with each foot 135 havinga flange 136 with an aperture 138 that enables the base or pedestal 120to be attached to another structure such as a vehicle, a building, oranother tower assembly using conventional fastening elements such asthreaded fasteners (not shown). In embodiments that include one or morefeet 135, the height which the plate may be elevated above itssurrounding surface can have a range of approximately 1.0 inches (2.5cm) to approximately 18.0 inches (45.0 cm). In some embodiments, thebase or pedestal 120 is formed from aluminum and may be constructed fromindividual parts that are connected together, cast as a single unit, orconstructed as a combination of casting and secondary assembly. In otherembodiments, the base or pedestal 120 may be formed from plasticmaterial such as fiber reinforced resin (i.e.: fiberglass or carbongraphite matrix), structural foam, high density polyethylene (HDPE),acrylics or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). With bases or pedestals that areformed from metal such as aluminum, an upper surface may be machined soas to present a planar surface to which guide assembly 140 and othercomponents may be attached. With bases or pedestals that are formed fromplastic material, some embodiments may be provided with one or moremetallic templates 122 that can be attached to an upper surface of thebase 120, and which include the first and second sets of apertures 124,126 (see FIGS. 5 and 9 a) that can be used to precisely align and attachcomponents of the guide assembly to the base 120. The size and weight ofthe pedestal or base can vary, and the size of a footprint of the abovedescribed embodiments of the base 120 can range from approximately 12inches×12 inches to 6 feet×6 feet, or even larger. The weight of theabove described embodiments of the base 120 can range from approximately2.0 lbs (0.91 kg) to approximately 300 lbs (136.0 kg).

The tower assembly includes a plurality of take-up (storage) anddelivery (feed) arrangements 194 (FIG. 1a ), one component of whichcomprises bale support frames or brackets 200. Each of these supportframes or brackets 200 includes a body 202 having a center section 204and a pair of outwardly divergent wings 206, 210, with the wingsdefining an angle of approximately 120 degrees therebetween (FIGS. 8, 9a and 9 b). In illustrative embodiments, there are three bale supportbrackets or frames 200, each of which is attached to a support post 182of the outer frame 180. The connection between the bale support brackets200 and the support posts 182 of the outer frame 180 produces a rigidstructure that maintains alignment of the bales as they are unwound andwound. In addition, the support bracket and outer frame connection alsoallow the chain sections (described further hereafter) to better resisttorsional forces. The bale support brackets 200 are spacedcircumferentially about the guide assembly 140 of the tower assembly sothat wing 206 of a first bracket is substantially parallel to wing 210of a second bracket, wing 206 of the second bracket is substantiallyparallel with wing 210 of a third bracket, and wing 206 of the thirdbracket is substantially parallel with wing 210 of the first bracket(see FIGS. 4a , 8, 9 a and 9 b). As shown best in FIGS. 1a-3b, 4a, 4band 6, each of the bale support frames or brackets 200 partiallysupports a bale 234, 236, 238 that is formed from a chain section 314,316, 318 of linked segments 245. Each of these chain sections is woundor wrapped around another component of the storage and feed arrangement194, namely, a rotatable bale frame 220 that is supported by a centershaft 228 that extends transversely between parallel wings 206, 210 ofadjacent support brackets 200 (see FIGS. 3b, 15a, 15b 16, 27 b and 27c). In some embodiments, the bale frame 220 may include a multi-sided orfaceted core structure about which the segments are wound. Referring nowto FIGS. 3c-3d the ends of the center shaft 228 are connected toadditional components of the storage and feed arrangement 194, namely,followers or shoes 230 with outwardly extending feet 231. The feet 231are configured to be slidingly retained in opposing channels 217 of eachguide rail 216, 218. The guide rails 216, 218 are parallel to each otherand are attached to wings 206, 210 of each set of adjacent bale supportbrackets 200 (see FIGS. 8, 9 a, 9 b, 27 b). As will be discussed laterin greater detail, each guide rail 216, 218 has an outer end that islocated in close proximity to the tip of a respective wing and eachguide rail has an inner end that is located in close proximity to thecenter section 204, which is connected to a support post 182. Connectingthe center section 204 of the bracket to the support post 182 positionsthe guide rails 216, 218 so that they are perpendicular to a portal 187defined by two support posts 182, a lower brace 184 and an upper brace186 (see FIGS. 8, 9 a and 9 b). There are three such portals with thisembodiment. In practice, the center shaft 228 of each bale frame 220 issupported by rail 216 of a first support bracket and the rail 218 of asecond support bracket (see FIGS. 3a, 4a and 4b ).

To form and extend a column, individual segments from the linked orchain sections are simultaneously unwound from their respective balesand drawn into the guide assembly 140 from the sides, through the threeportals 187 and fed into spaces defined by the drive module 141 and theouter frame 180 of the guide assembly 140. As this occurs, the centershafts 228 that support the bale frames 220 slide back and fourth alongthe guide rails 216, 218 in a reciprocating movement because of theangular wrapping of the segments, which in some embodiments may havedifferent, incremental lengths between the top and bottom ends of achain section, around the bale frames 220. This reciprocating movementis imparted to the bales because the segments are rigid andsubstantially planar. When a bale is wound or unwound, the bale, whichis urged towards the guide assembly 140 by its own weight and,optionally, by one or more biasing elements 232 (described hereafter),tends to ride up against one of the portals 187. For example, when abale rotates in a clockwise direction “C” (as shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b), an angled hinge connection formed by the first and second segmentswill ride up against a portal 187. Upon further rotation, the flat bodyof the second segment will ride up against the portal. Upon furtherrotation, an angled hinge connection formed by the second segment and athird segment will ride up against the portal, and so on. With such arotation, the angled hinge connections will have greater distances tothe center shaft 228 than distances from the flats of the segments.Thus, as the bale rotates, the bale will oscillate and slide back andforth towards and away from the guide assembly 140. As segments areremoved from the bale as it is being unwound, movement of the bale as itslides will be changed by incremental steps and the total movement isratchet-like. This same general movement occurs when the bale is beingformed by segments. As a segment exit the portal an outer most end,which may includes a bale latch 360, will engage a pivot rod 350 of anadjacent hinge connection (see FIGS. 17a-17d ). This allows the segmentto push and rotate the entire bale counter clockwise and outwardly fromthe portal until the center of gravity of the bale moves past the balelatch 360/pivot rod 350 connection, at which point the bale tends toroll towards the portal of its own accord. If needed or desired,additional biasing forces can be applied to the center shaft 228 throughthe utilization of various types of spring members including coilsprings, torsion springs, elastic cords, and the like, to urge thecenter shaft 228 and thus the entire bale of linked segments toward theportals 187 of the guide assembly 140. One reason for providingadditional biasing is that as a bale unwinds it becomes lighter andlighter. And, as the bale becomes lighter, it exerts less force in thedirection toward the portal. This reduction in force can be counteractedby providing supplementary biasing forces to the bale so that the forcethat the bale exerts as it rides against the portal can be more or lessconstant as it is unwound from the bale frame 220. An embodiment of abiasing element is depicted in FIGS. 3C-3 d and 9 a, wherein a biasingelement 232 with a coil spring 233 may be used to pull or urge the baleof linked segments toward the guide assembly 140. As described furtherhereafter, an end of a center shaft 228 is received in an aperture 242of a biasing element 232, thus operatively connecting the center shaft228 to one end of the spring 233. The other end of the spring 233 isconnected to a portion of the guide assembly 140, preferably at a tab183 that extends from support post 182. Illustrative embodiments mayinclude a biasing element at both ends of center shaft 228.

With general reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 a, an embodiment of a guideassembly 140 that comprises a drive module 141 and an outer frame 180 isshown. The drive module 141 has a housing comprised of a plurality ofside panels 143 and a cap 147, which are removably secured to an innerframe 142 (FIG. 9c ) by one or more fastening elements such as setscrews or countersunk screws (not shown). Each side panel 143 isprovided with opposing side notches 145 that are configured to allowportions of linear drive members 178 to extend outwardly beyond theouter surfaces of the side panels 143. An embodiment of the inner frame142 (FIG. 10a ) may include an upper or first mounting block 144, a midor second mounting block 146, a mid or third mounting block 148 and alower or fourth mounting block 150. The mounting blocks are triangularlyshaped because they correspond to the three chain sections that are usedto form a triangularly shaped column or tower. It will be understood,however, that if four or more chain sections are used, the mountingblocks will be modified accordingly.

As depicted in FIG. 10b , the first or upper mounting block 144 includesa plurality of apertures that are configured and arranged to rotatablysupport a drive assembly 165 such as a gear train 166 that may include acenter gear 167 that is connected to an upper drive shaft 168 thatextends from a primary or upper gearbox 170. The primary gearbox, whichis operatively connected to a motive source 172, has an input end and anoutput end, with the gear ratio between the input and output ends havinga range of approximately 1:1 to approximately 100:1. An example of acommercially available gearbox that can be used with some of theembodiments of this tower assembly is the PLG63 model manufactured byDunkermotoren of Bonndorf, Germany.

Referring again to FIG. 10b , the mid or second mounting block 146includes an aperture 154 that is sized and configured to receive aportion of the primary gearbox 170. The first and second mounting blocks144, 146 have a plurality of linear drive members or worm drives 178rotatably mounted therebetween. In some embodiments, a drive member 178may comprise plastic material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE).An example of a preferred material may include DELRIN®, but othermaterials such as Nylon, polyurethane, polyimide, polyphenylene Sulfide(PPS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be used. In some embodiments, thedrive member 178 is provided with metallic shafts at either end, and themetallic shafts may be received by bushings 169″ that are located inmounting blocks 144, 146. In some embodiments, the drive member 178 mayinclude one metallic shaft 178′ (FIGS. 10b, 10c ) that extends along therotational axis of the drive member 178 and extends beyond the endsthereof. In other embodiments, a drive member 178 may comprise ametallic core that is provided with a plastic engagement surface. In theabove exemplary embodiments, the provision of a plastic engagementsurface is preferable to other materials, because it tends to beself-lubricating when it contacts harder surfaces of chain segments orlinks 245. It has been found that a plastic engagement surface is alsopreferable to other materials because it provides for smoother andquieter operation. In some exemplary embodiments, the drive members 178will each have a radius having a range of approximately 0.5 inches toapproximately 4.0 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the drivemembers 178 will have a pitch having a range of approximately 5 degreesto approximately 40 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the drive members178 will have a longitudinal length in the range of approximately oneinch to approximately 18 inches. The drive members 178 are substantiallyparallel to each other and each drive member has a shaft that may beoperatively connected to the drive assembly 165.

Referring now to FIGS. 9c and 9d , in embodiments that use a gear train166 as a drive assembly 165, an outlying gear 169 (FIG. 9d ) may beconnected to the shaft of each drive member 178. As will be understood,idler gears 169′ may be positioned between the center gear 167 andoutlying gears 169 so that when the center gear 167 is rotated, all ofthe drive members 178 rotate in the same direction and speed (see, forexample, FIGS. 9a, 9c, 9d and 10a-10c ). As with the drive members, theidler gears 169′ may be provided with metallic shafts 178″ and bushings169′″ (FIG. 9c ) to reduce rotational friction.

In operation, the drive module 141 and column 300 formed by the chainsections 314, 316, 318 has an extension/retraction or lift rate in therange of approximately 0.05 ft/sec (0.6 inch/sec) to approximately 0.5ft/sec (6.0 inch/sec). In an alternative embodiment, the idler gears169′ (FIG. 9d ) of the gear train 166 may be omitted and the center gear167 used to drive the outlying gears 169. In such embodiments the liftrate can be approximately 0.25 ft per second or greater. In anotherembodiment, the idler gears may be omitted and outlying gears may beconnected to the center gear by a drive belt or chain. When the centergear 167 is rotated, the outlying gears 169 that are operativelyconnected to it and the drive members 178 that are connected to theoutlying gears will also rotate. In operation, the thread of each drivemember or worm drive 178 simultaneously engages two laterally adjacentsegments 245, preferably along vertical margins, and more preferablywith sets of vertically aligned and generally horizontally orienteddrive slots 290, 296 (FIG. 11a ) located along the margins of thelaterally adjacent segments.

Referring now to FIG. 10a , in some embodiments, the first and secondmounting blocks 144, 146 may be provided with one or more strengtheningstruts 162 that span the mounting blocks 144, 146 and which may bepositioned within notches 152 located on side edges of the blocks, andsecured with fastening elements such as set screws or countersunkscrews. As shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b , the third mounting block 148includes an aperture 158 that is sized and configured to receive aportion of a motive power source 172, which is connected to the primarygearbox 170.

The motive source can be a motor having a rating in the range ofapproximately 0.1 hp to approximately 3 hp, and with the preferredrating depending upon the tower size and the payload to be lifted. Inone illustrative embodiment, the motive source 172 is an electric motor.An example of a commercially available electric motor that can be usedwith some of the embodiments of this tower assembly is the BG65 modelmanufactured by Dunkermotoren, of Bonndorf, Germany. In someembodiments, the motive source may be powered by a power cell or batterythat may be positioned within the enclosure 131 of the base 120. Inother embodiments, the motive source may be connected, by wire, to aremote power source such as may be available from a vehicle or abuilding's electrical system. In other embodiments, the motive sourcemay be connected to a solar cell that may be part of, or remote from,the tower assembly. In yet other embodiments, the tower assembly may beprovided with its own power supply and a generator. It is even alsoenvisioned that the tower assembly may be mechanically connected to apower-take-off (PTO) connection, such as from a vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 10b , the block 148 may also include a pluralityof apertures 149 that are configured and arranged to receive ends ofspacers 164. The block 148 may be provided with one or more transversefastening elements such as set screws or countersunk screws that can beused to secure the motive source 172 as it resides within the aperture158 of the third block 148.

The lower or fourth mounting block 150 (FIGS. 10a and 10b ) includes anaperture 160 that is configured and arranged to rotatably receive alower drive shaft 176 that extends from an encoder mechanism 174 throughthe plate 122 of base 120 and on to a secondary gearbox 171 (FIGS. 5, 6,7). The block 150 may also include a plurality of apertures 151 that areconfigured and arranged to receive ends of spacers 164.

In some embodiments, the encoder mechanism 174 is able to monitor theoperation of the motive source 172 and the rotational movement of thedrive shafts 168 and 176, so that the height of the cap 302 at the topof the column 300 can be precisely and automatically controlled. Anillustrative embodiment of a commercially available encoder mechanismthat can be used with some of the embodiments of this tower assembly isthe RE20 model manufactured by Dunkermotoren, of Bonndorf, Germany.Alternatively, an encoder mechanism may be omitted and the lower driveshaft 176 may extend directly from the motive source 172 to thesecondary gearbox 171. In some embodiments, Hall effect sensors, similarto sensors used in Dunkermotoren model BG65×50PI, can be used toprecisely and automatically control the position of the top of columnand/or cap 302.

Referring now to FIGS. 9c and 10, some embodiments of the mounting block150 may be provided with one or more extensions or tabs 161 that projectoutwardly from the sides of the block 150. The extensions or tabs 161are configured so that when the drive module 141 is positioned withinthe outer frame 180 of the guide assembly 140, the ends of theextensions 161 confront lower brace members 184 of the outer frame 180(FIG. 8). This tends to center the lower portion of the drive module 141and inner frame 142 within the lower end of the outer frame 180. Theextensions or tabs 161 may be provided with apertures 163 (FIG. 9c )that are configured and arranged to receive fastening elements such asthreaded bolts that extend upwardly from the first set of apertures 124located on base 120 and which are secured by nuts (see FIG. 9a ). Thisallows the inner frame to be secured to base 120.

Referring now to FIG. 10a , as described for the first and second blocks144, 146, the third and fourth blocks 148, 150 may be connected to eachother by one or more spacers 164. Some embodiments of the spacers 164may include threaded ends. In some embodiments the spacers 164 mayextend below the lower block 150 and into the first set of apertures 124in the plate of base 120. In other embodiments, the lower or fourthblocks 148, 150 may be provided with downwardly extending pins that aredesigned to come into registry with the first set of apertures 124 ofthe base plate 122.

Some embodiments of the inner frame 142 may include one or morevertically aligned bars 179 (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 10a ) thatare parallel to the longitudinal axis 142′ of the inner frame 142 andwhich can be connected to the edges of all of the blocks so as tofurther stabilize and strengthen the inner frame 142. In someembodiments, a vertical bar 179 may be formed as a side extension alongone edge of a side panel 143 (see, for example, FIGS. 9c and 10a ).

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 b, an illustrative embodiment of theouter frame 180 (sometimes referred to as a reaction ring) is shown. Theouter frame or reaction ring 180 includes a plurality of verticalsupport posts 182. Each support post 182 includes an inner facingsurface, an outer facing surface, an upper end, a lower end, and angledside surfaces. In some embodiments, the support post may be rigidlyconnected to the inner ends of rail guides 216, 218. The support posts182 are connected to each other by lower brace members 184 and upperbrace members 186, which, collectively, define the portals 187 (FIG. 9a) for the chain sections. Some embodiments of the lower brace members184 may include opposing ends that are configured to abut the sidesurfaces of two posts 182. As shown in FIG. 8, each end of the lowerbrace member 184 may be provided with a threaded aperture that receivesa fastening element that is used to connect the lower brace to the posts182. The upper brace members 186 are connected to the support posts 182in a similar, though more robust manner. The upper brace members 186 arewider than the lower brace members and this allows additional fasteningelements to be used. As shown in FIG. 8, each end of an upper bracemember 186 can include two fastening elements to connect the upper bracemember to the support post 182. Each upper brace member 186 may includeone or more vertically aligned slide rails 188 (FIG. 8) that are used toguide the tower or column as it is being extended and retracted fromvertically opening slots located at the end of the guide assembly.

The slide rails 188 may be formed from plastic material such as fiberreinforced resin (i.e.: fiberglass or carbon graphite matrix),structural foam, high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylics or polyvinylchloride (PVC). Alternatively, the slide rails 188 may be metallic andhave a plastic engaging surface. In an exemplary embodiment, there aretwo slide rails for each upper brace member 186, and the slide rails arevertically oriented, parallel, and extend substantially along the widthof the upper brace member 186. The slide rails 188 are configured andarranged to contact raised portions of a segment as it moves verticallyrelative thereto, and to ensure that the segment properly engages thedrive module 141.

The upper brace member 186 may include one or more sensors 190, 192(FIG. 8) that can be used to provide information regarding operation ofthe tower assembly and to control the tower assembly. In someembodiments, the sensors 190, 192 can be in the nature of limit switchesor proximity switches that may be connected to a control box “B” thatmay be attached to the tower assembly 118 as depicted in FIG. 4a , orwhich may be remote from the tower assembly 118.

In some embodiments, the outer frame 180 may be provided with a topplate 196 (FIG. 9a ) that can be attached to the upper end thereof withfastening elements such as threaded fasteners. The top plate 196, whichis the shape of a triangular ring, protects the slide rails and sensorsand adds strength to the frame 180. The outer frame 180 may be removablyconnected to the base 120 by one or more fastening elements that may beinserted upwardly through the second set of apertures 126 in the base120 and into threaded apertures in each of the support posts 182 (seealso, FIGS. 5 and 9 a).

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1a-4b and 6-9 b, each support post182 includes a bale support bracket 200 that is attached thereto. Insome embodiments, a spacer 198 may be interposed between the supportpost 182 and the bale support bracket 200. Each bale support bracket 200is generally v-shaped and comprises a body 202 having a center section204 a first wing 206 and a second wing 210. The center section 204includes a plurality of apertures that receive fastening elements usedto attach the support bracket 200 to the support post 182. As will beunderstood, the spacer 198, which is generally coextensive with thecenter section 204, may also include apertures that are coincident withthe apertures in the center section 204. The wings 206, 210 extendoutwardly from the center section 204 and are angled so that theydiverge away from each other. In some embodiments, the wings and thecenter section of a bale support bracket may be provided with one ormore gussets 214 that strengthen the bracket 200 and maintain theorientation of the wings 206, 210 with respect to each other.

As shown in FIG. 8, each wing 206, 210 includes an inner surface 208,212, respectively, which confront the bale supported therebetween andthese inner surfaces are perpendicular to a portal 187 (FIGS. 3b and 9a), whose upper and lower edges are defined by the upper and lower bracemembers 186, 184 of the outer frame 180, and whose side edges aredefined by two vertical support posts 182 of the outer frame. Each ofthe inner surfaces 208, 212 supports a guide rail 216, 218,respectively. Since the guide rails 216, 218 are substantially the same,only guide rail 216 will be discussed in detail. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9a and 9 b, the end profile of guide rail 216 is generally C-shaped asshown in FIG. 3c and includes a vertical side wall 216 a, a horizontalupper wall 216 b, a downwardly depending vertical arm 216 c, ahorizontal lower wall 216 d, and an upwardly ascending arm 216 e. Thewalls and arms form opposing channels 217 that are configured andarranged to slideably receive outwardly extending feet 231 of a followeror shoe 230, so that the shoe is able to move in a constrained mannertherealong towards and away from the portal 187. Some embodiments of thefollower and/or the channels 217 of the guide rail 216 may includefriction reducing material between sliding surfaces, with preferredfriction reducing materials including high density polyethylene material(HDPE) or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP). The guiderail 216 and follower or shoe 230, as components of the storage and feedarrangement 194 provide added stability to the chained sections, andthey resist and substantially prevent the bale from walking or yawingalong the rails as it is wound and unwound.

As seen in FIGS. 3c, 3d, and 3e , each follower or shoe 230 includes araised portion 230′ that stands proud of the channels 217 of the railguide 216. The raised portion may include internally threaded bosses 240(FIG. 3e ) that receive threaded fasteners that are used to attach aretractable biasing element 232 to the follower 230. An embodiment of abiasing element 232 may include a spool about which a length ofresilient spring type material 233 may be wound. In some embodiments,the biasing element is able to exert a constant force along the entirelength of its movement. An exemplary embodiment of the resilientmaterial 233, which is commercially available under the Neg'ator Series,manufactured by the Ametek Company of Feasterville, Pa., is spring steeltape, which is normally completely wound about a support spool. Theresilient material 233 has an end 233′ that may be attached to the tab183 (described earlier in FIG. 3b ) that is connected to a support post182.

The force that each of the biasing elements can exert against an end ofthe center shaft 228 has a range of approximately 0.0 pounds (0.0 kg) toapproximately 50.0 pounds (23 kg). The retractable resilient element 232can include a transverse central aperture 242 that is configured toreceive one end of the center shaft 228 of the bale frame 220. In someembodiments this aperture is large enough to allow the end of the shaftto freely rotate, in other embodiments, a bushing or bearing providesfree rotation for the shaft.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a, 17a, 27b and 27c , an embodiment of a baleframe 220 may include a first plate 222, a second plate 224 and aplurality of rods 226 that connect the plates 222, 224 together in aparallel relation. In some embodiments, the plates have a thickness inthe range of approximately 0.12 inches (3.17 mm) to approximately 0.5inches (12.7 mm). In some embodiments, the plates 222, 224 are squareand the rods 226 connect the corners of the plates so as to form a spaceframe (see FIGS. 15a, 15b , 16). Some embodiments of the plates haveedges that have a length in the range of approximately 2.0 inches (50.8mm) to approximately 24.0 inches (60.0 cm).

In some embodiments, the plates 222, 224, may each include a segmentattachment tab, 223 (FIG. 15a ), each of which may include a transverseaperture that is configured and arranged to receive a pivot shaft 350that can be used to connect the frame 220 to an initial or bottommostsegment 245 of a chain section 234, 236, 238. In one embodiment, eachtab 223 is located within a plane defined by the plate to which it isconnected. In a preferred embodiment, each tab has one edge that iscoextensive with an edge of its respective plate and has a length in therange of approximately 0.2 inches (6.3 mm) to approximately 3.0 inches(7.6 cm).

The plates 222, 224 may each include a centrally located, transverseaperture that is configured to receive a center shaft 228. As discussedearlier, the center shaft 228 has two ends, each of which is rotatablyreceived by a retractable resilient element 232 that is associated witha follower or shoe 230, with the follower or shoe 230 slideably receivedwithin a guide rail 216.

In operation, as a bale is wound and formed, the bale will ratchet awayfrom or toward the guide assembly 140 as the bale is wound or unwound.In some embodiments the pitch or slope a (alpha, FIG. 3c ) of the guiderail 216 is approximately 22 degrees from horizontal or approximately 68degrees relative to a support post 182 against which it abuts. It isunderstood, however, that the pitch or slope could range from about −10degrees to about +40 degrees from the horizontal. In some embodimentsthe pitch or slope of the guide rails may be adjustable, with the wings206 and 210 provided with additional sets of linearly aligned apertures,so that operation of the storage and feed arrangement can be fine tunedand optimized for particular load requirements.

Referring now to FIG. 15b , the individual segments (245 a, 245 b, 245c, 245 d, 245 e, etc.), which are connected to one another and make upthe linked sections 314, 316, 318 (FIG. 19), will now be described indetail. Referring now to FIG. 11a , each of the individual segments orsections 245 includes a substantially rigid body 246 that includes afirst panel 248, a second panel 250, a first side wall 252, a secondside wall 254, a top end 256 with an upper crossbeam 257 and a bottomend 258 with a lower crossbeam 259. The body 246 includes a centeropening 260 and may include diagonal brace 262. In some embodiments, thepanels 248, 250 of the body are spaced apart from each other by one ormore webs 264 a-f, as best shown in FIG. 13a . In some embodiments, thewebs 264 a-264 f may be substantially parallel to each other. In someembodiments, the webs 264 a-264 f may be spaced at intervals between theside walls 252 and 254 (FIG. 13b ), and formed by an extrusion orpulltrusion process. In embodiments that are formed by the extrusionprocess, the center opening 260 may be formed by removal of material,such as by machining.

The size of the segments can vary, having a width that ranges fromapproximately 2.0 inches (5.1 cm) to approximately 24.0 inches (60.0cm), and a length that ranges from approximately 2.0 inches (5.1 cm) toapproximately 24.0 inches (60.0 cm).

Starting with the outwardly facing portion of the segment 245, thesecond panel 250 includes an outer surface 274 and an inner surface 286.In some embodiments, the outer surface 274 may include spaced-apartraised portions 276, 278 (FIG. 13a ) that are adjacent the side walls252, 254, respectively, and which extend from the top end 256 to thebottom end 258. The raised portions 276, 278 are configured and arrangedto engage the slide rails 188 (FIG. 2b ) of upper brace members 186 ofthe outer frame 180 as the segments 245 are extended and retracted bythe drive module 141 of the guide assembly 140. The second panel 250 mayalso include a recessed portion 280 (FIG. 13a ) and transition portions282, 284 that connect the recessed portion 280 to the raised portions276, 278.

Referring now to the inwardly facing portion of the segment 245, thefirst panel 248 includes a plurality of linear drive openings thatextend transversely between the side walls 252, 254. In someembodiments, the drive openings are in the form of parallel slots thatare arranged in columns that extend from the top end 256 to the bottomend 258. In some embodiments, the slots (which may define ribstherebetween) have lengths that are roughly defined by the side wallsand webs. In an illustrative embodiment, the drive openings may includea first set of transverse slots 290 (FIG. 11a ) and a second set oftransverse slots 296. In the illustrative embodiment, the lengths of thefirst set of slots 290 are defined, generally, by side wall 254 and web264 d and the lengths of the second set of slots 296 are defined,generally, by side wall 252 and web 264 c. In some embodiments, one ormore of the ribs defined by the slots 290 and 296 may be reinforced bywebs 264 a and 264 a. In some embodiments, the slots are formed bymachining, with the slots 290, 296 defining ribs 390, 396, respectively(FIGS. 11c, 11d ).

Each set of slots may be angled with respect to the top and/or bottomends 256 and 258 of segment 245 so that they are better able tooperatively engage and more fully contact the pitched thread of a drivemember 178. To accommodate drive members having different threadpitches, the angles 292 and 298, that each set of slots makes withrespect to either the top or bottom ends 258 can be increased ordecreased and may have a range from approximately 1.0 degrees toapproximately 20.0 degrees. In some embodiments, the slots, which may beformed by milling, have a depth 293 and 299 (FIG. 11a ) in the range ofapproximately 0.12 inches (3.17 mm) to approximately 0.50 inches (12.27mm). In some embodiments, the slots may extend through the first panel248 from the outer surface to the inner surface thereof. In otherembodiments, the slots have upper and lower surfaces that convergetowards each other so that the vertical width at the outer surface ofthe panel is greater than the vertical width of the slot as it extendsdeeper into the panel. In some embodiments, each slot may be chamferedor beveled. Convergent, chamfered, or beveled slots are preferredbecause they provide maximum contact surfaces for the drive member 178.Each slot is substantially linear and has a length 291 and 297 (FIG. 11b) from approximately 0.2 inches (5.0 mm) to approximately 3.1 inches(78.0 mm).

Expressed alternatively in terms of ribs, the ribs 390, 396 canaccommodate drive members having different thread pitches, by varyingthe angle 392, 398, respectively, that each rib makes with respect toeither the top end or the bottom end of a segment 245, and may have arange from approximately 1.0 degrees to approximately 20.0 degrees. Insome embodiments, the ribs 390 and 396, which may be formed by milling,have a depth 393, 399 (FIGS. 11c, 11d ) in the range of approximately0.1 inches (3.2 mm) to approximately 0.5 inches (12.3 mm). In someembodiments, the ribs may communicate with the slots and collectivelyextend through the first panel from the outer surface to the innersurface thereof. In other embodiments, the ribs have upper and lowersurfaces that extend away from each other so that the vertical width ofthe rib at the outer surface of the panel is less than the verticalwidth of the rib as extends deeper into the panel (see, FIG. 11c ). Insome embodiments, each rib may be chamfered or beveled. Convergent,chamfered, or beveled slots are preferred because they provide maximumcontact surfaces for the drive member 178 (see also, FIG. 11c ). Eachrib 390 and 396 is substantially linear and has a length 391, 397 fromapproximately 0.2 inches (5.0 mm) to approximately 3.1 inches (78.0 mm).In some embodiments, the ribs 390, 396 may be strengthened by webs 264 band 264 a (FIG. 11b ). Alternatively, the sets of slots and ribs may beomitted and the segment provided with pre-manufactured gear racks(having pitch angles that correspond to a drive member) that extend fromthe top end 256 to the bottom end 258 thereof and which may be removablyattached thereto. Such an implementation has significant strength andweight advantages when combined with segments that are formed fromlighter, though structurally weaker material such as plastic.

In some embodiments, vertically adjacent segments, e.g. 245 a and 245 b(FIG. 15a ) may be connected to each other by one or more pivot supportblocks 320, 324 (FIG. 12). In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and14 a-14 d, each pivot support block 320, 324 is L-shaped and includes ablade 322 that includes a transverse aperture 323, 327 that isconfigured to receive a pivot shaft 350. The blocks are insertable intoapertures located at the top and bottom ends of each segment 245. Insome embodiments, the apertures may be formed by the side walls 252 and254, webs 264 a and 264 b, and first and second panels 248 and 250. Whenthe blocks 320, 324 are inserted, the blades 322, 324 will extendoutwardly therefrom and within the plane of the segment. The L-shapedconfiguration of the pivot support blocks enables the blocks of theupper end of the segment to be oriented so that the blades 322 areadjacent the side walls 252 and 254 of the segment, while the blocks ofthe bottom end are oriented so that the blades 324 are spaced inwardlyfrom the side walls of the segment and adjacent webs 264 a and 264 b. Insome embodiments, the pivot support blocks may be secured to segments byone or more fastening elements that extend through transverse aperturesin the segment side walls 252, 254 and the blocks at 321, 325,respectively. Successive segments, such as 245 a and 245 b, 245 b and245 c, 245 c and 245 d, etc. are connected end-to-end to form linkedsections 314, 316, 318.

Referring now to FIGS. 11a , 11 b, 12, 13 a and 13 b, each segment 245may include elements such as a plurality of engagement members thatenable laterally and vertically adjacent segments to be coupledtogether. As best shown in the FIGS. 11a and 13a , an embodiment of afirst side wall 252 includes an upper engagement member 330 that isangled β (beta) forwardly (or inwardly) relative to the surface 270 ofthe first panel 252, and which has a peg carrying portion 331 that mayextend above the top end 256 of the segment 245. The peg carryingportion 331 includes an aperture 332 (FIG. 11a ) that receives a baseportion of a peg 334, while the remainder of the peg is able to extendabove the segment 245 in a vertical direction. Some embodiments of thepeg 334 may be formed from plastic material such as acetal, polyacetalor polyformaldehyde (POM), and press-fitted into the aperture 332. Otherembodiments of the peg 334 may include an external thread that canengage an internal thread in the aperture 332. Alternative embodimentsof the peg may be formed from other materials such as metal. In someembodiments, the peg 334 may be provided with a collar 335, as best seenin FIGS. 26a-26e that abuts a horizontal shoulder 333 of the pegcarrying portion 331 when the peg is seated in aperture 332. The firstside wall 252 (FIG. 11a ) also includes a middle engagement member 336that is also forwardly (or inwardly) angled β (beta) and includes upperand lower surfaces 336 a, 336 b that are substantially parallel to eachother. In some embodiments, the upper and lower surfaces 336 a, 336 bmay be upwardly curved. The first side wall also includes a lowerengagement member 338 that is also forwardly (or inwardly) angled β(beta) and includes a curved vertical surface 339 against which a lowerengagement member 344 of a laterally adjacent segment is brought into anabutting engagement, as a peg 334 of a vertically adjacent segment istranslated into a slot 346 of the lower engagement member 344 frombelow. Note that as the peg 334 engages the slot 346 from below, the peg334 draws the lower engagement member 344 up against the curved surface339 of the lower engagement member 338 in a camming action, and theconnection between the segments becomes tighter and tighter as the pegtranslates from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. Insome embodiments, the angle β may have a range of from approximately 10degrees to approximately 45 degrees. In an illustrated embodiment (FIG.13a ), the angle β is approximately 30 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 11a , the second side wall 254 of each segment 245may include elements such as engagement members that enable laterallyand vertically adjacent segments to be coupled together. Referring nowto FIGS. 11a , 11 b, 12, 13 a and 13 b, an embodiment of a second sidewall 254 (FIG. 12) includes a middle engagement member 340 that isforwardly (or inwardly) angled β (FIG. 13a ) and which comprises twospaced apart fingers 341 a, 341 b. The fingers are configured andarranged to engage and straddle the middle engagement member 336 of alaterally adjacent segment so that it is captured therebetween. In someembodiments, the fingers 341 a, 341 b may include curved surfaces thatare configured to complement curved surfaces 336 a, 336 b of the middleengagement member 336 so that when laterally adjacent segments arecoupled together the surfaces of the middle engagement members 336, 340releasably interlock with each other. The second side wall 254 alsoincludes a lower engagement member 344 that is forwardly (or inwardly)angled β (FIG. 13a ) and which has a slot 346 that is configured toreceive a peg 334 of a laterally and vertically adjacent segment as thesegments 245 are coupled together to form a column. In some embodimentsthe middle engagement members of each side wall may be provided withvertically aligned through holes or apertures 337, 342, into which apeg, a fastener or even a padlock may be inserted so as provide a morepermanent structure and/or to strengthen the structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-22, note that the upper end of the startercourse of segments 245 a may be provided with a cap that can beremovably attached thereto (see, for example, cap 302 of FIG. 2a ). Acap such as cap 302 serves to connect and tie the upper ends of thefirst course of the segments 245 a together. However, in FIGS. 19-22everything but three partial chain sections have been omitted to providea clearer understanding of the interaction between the segments andchain sections. In FIG. 19 the upper ends of the first course wouldnormally be connected to each other by, for example, a cap, while thelower ends of the first course have yet to be connected to each other.As will be apparent from the figures, the lower ends of the first courseof the segments will be tied to each other by interaction with the nextcourse of segments 245 b, as shown in FIGS. 20-22. In operation, thefirst segment 245 a of each bale may be simultaneously fed into one ofthe three portals 187 of the guide assembly 140, where it is engaged bythe drive module 141 (see, for example, FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 3a ). As eachsegment translates from a generally horizontal orientation to asubstantially vertical orientation, laterally adjacent segments engageeach other. Translation of the chain sections and segments (as shown inisolation) are depicted in FIGS. 19-26 e, and coupling of adjacentsegments is as follows. In FIG. 19, segments 245 a of adjacent chainsections 314, 316, 318 have already been partially interconnected. Thatis, the upper ends of the segments have already been connected to eachother. In addition, the engagement members of the first side wall ofsegment 245 a of chain section 314 are coupled to the engagement membersof the second side wall of segment 245 a of chain section 316.Engagement members of the first side wall of segment 245 a of chainsection 316 are coupled to the engagement members of the second sidewall of segment 245 a of chain section 318. And, engagement members ofthe first side wall of segment 245 a of chain section 318 are coupled tothe engagement members of the second side wall of segment 245 a of chainsection 314.

As will be noted, the segments 245 a represent the starter course of thecolumn 300, and they will be positioned furthest from the guide assembly140 when the column 300 is extended (see FIG. 3a ). In some embodiments,this starter course may comprise a preassembled, unitary, rigid frame towhich segments of the chain sections are attached. That is, the upperend of the starter course may be provided with a cap 302 that connectsthe upper ends of the segments together (FIG. 2b ). Note that with suchan embodiment the chain sections will not be able to be fully withdrawnout of the portals 187 of the guide assembly 140.

As the starter course 245 a is engaged by the drive module 141, segments245 b (FIG. 19) of chain sections 314, 316, 318 are fed into the portals187 of the guide assembly 140. In doing so, the orientation of thesegments 245 b translates from a generally horizontal orientation to asubstantially vertical orientation. As can be seen in FIGS. 20, 21, 23and 24, as the segments 245 b are translated, the pegs 334 are broughtinto registry with slots 346 of the lower engagement members 344 of thesegments of the preceding course of segments, which in these figures arelabeled as segments 245 a. As the segments continue to be coupledtogether as shown in FIGS. 22 and 25, the engagement members of thefirst and second side walls are brought into contact with each other. Asmentioned above, when a peg 334 engages the angled slot 346 of avertically and horizontally adjacent segment, the peg 334 will snug thelower engagement member 344 (FIG. 11a ) of segment 245 a of a chainsection up against the vertical or stop surface 339 of lower engagementmember 338 of a segment 245 a of a laterally adjacent chain section.

When the column is retracted and the linked sections are formed intobales 234, 236, 238, the bales can be secured in their compacted stateby one or more retaining members or bale latches 360, an embodiment ofwhich is most clearly depicted in FIGS. 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 18a and 18b. Generally, the retaining member or bale latch 360 (FIGS. 17a-17d )comprises a body 362 (FIG. 18a ) having an attachment section 364 and anengagement section 366. More particularly, the body 362 has a variablelateral width 361 (FIG. 18b ), is generally triangularly shaped andincludes an elongated member with a first arcuate edge surface 368, afirst end 370 that terminates with a rounded tip, a second arcuate edgesurface 372 and a second end 374. The attachment section 364 comprises afirst leg 376 having a portion that adjoins the second end 374, and asecond leg 382, with the legs configured to be connected to a portion ofa segment 245. The legs 376, 382 are generally parallel with each otherand are spaced apart from each other by a first notch 380. Preferably,at least one of the legs is resilient and can be temporarily deflectedby flexing towards the other leg. In one embodiment, one of the legs 376may include a protrusion 378 that is used to urge the other leg 382 intocontact with a portion of the segment. In some embodiments, one of thelegs 382 may include a hook or catch 384 that can engage a portion ofthe segment to retain the bale latch 360 to the segment. In someembodiments, the attachment section 364 may be inserted into an apertureor socket located in the lower crossbeam 259, and the catch 384 engagesan edge of the first panel 248 at the bottom end 258 (FIGS. 11a and 12)of the segment 245; for example, a bottom edge of second panel 250. Insome embodiments, the latch 360 is received within an aperture or socket281 (FIGS. 11a and 12) formed by the first panel 248, the second panel250, web 264 e and web 264 f (see, FIGS. 13a, 13b ). In otherembodiments, the protrusion 378 may be replaced with a hook or catch 379that engages an edge of the second panel 250 of a segment 245. With suchan embodiment, it is preferred that the catches or hooks 384, 379 pointin opposite directions. With such an embodiment, it is preferred thatthe legs 376, 382 are both flexible and normally splay away from eachother. With such an embodiment, the free ends of legs 376, 382 would becompressed towards each other prior to insertion into the aperture, thenthe bale latch 360 would be inserted and seated in the aperture in asnap-fit manner as the catches 379 and 384 engage the edges of the frontand rear panels. The retaining member or latch 360 may be provided witha second notch 386 that is sized to receive a portion of the secondpanel, preferably a portion of the lower crossbeam 259 of the secondpanel 250, and with the notch serving to further secure the latch 360 tothe segment. The first edge surface 368 spans portions of both theattachment section 364 and engagement section 366 of the body 362,beginning with the tip of the first end 370 and extending to the secondend 374. In some embodiments, the first surface 368 may be generallyconvex and curve outwardly with respect to the legs.

Referring again to FIG. 18a , an inner pivot shaft contacting surface388 of second surface 372 begins at the tip of the first end 370 andterminates at the second notch 386. In some embodiments, the inner,pivot shaft engaging surface 388, which engages a pivot shaft 350 (FIG.11a ) of an adjacent hinge connection on the bale, is generally concaveand curved inwardly. As will be noted, the innermost segments 245 thatare carried near the center of the bale frame 220 do not overlay othersegments. So, for these few initial segments the engaging surfaces 388of the bale latches 360 will not engage adjacent pivot shafts 350.Instead, the engaging surfaces 388 will engage the rods 226 of the baleframe 220 (see, for example, FIGS. 17a-17d ). When installed on asegment 245, the engagement section 366 of the bale latch 360 willproject outwardly with respect to the second panel 254, and inwardlywith respect to the center of the bale. In some instances, this maycause the tip of the first end 370 to catch on the lower crossbeam of anadjacent segment when the chain section is being wound or unwound uponthe bale frame 220. In order to minimize this possibility, a notch orpassageway 249 (FIG. 11a ) may be provided in the bottom of the lowercrossbeam 259, at the first panel 248. The retaining member or balelatch may be formed from thermo-plastic material such as acetal,polyacetal or polyformaldehyde (POM), or for example DELRIN®. In someembodiments, the retaining member or bale latch may be extruded and cutto a particular lateral width 361 (FIG. 18b ). In some embodiments,there can be a plurality of latches for each segment. In someembodiments, bale latches may be inserted in the spaces between web pair264 d and 264 f, and/or between web pair 264 c and 264 e.

Having described some of the structural details of embodiments of thetower assembly, its operation can be understood best as follows. First,three elongated linked sections are constructed from a plurality of theindividual segments 245 such as those shown in the embodiments asdepicted in FIGS. 1a -6, 11 a-13 b, 15 a-16, 19-22. These individualsegments 245 are pivotally linked together to form the linked sectionsusing the pivot blocks 320, 324 and pivot shafts 350. The number ofsegments in any one linked section will determine the maximum height towhich the column can be extended. In general, as many as 10-60 or moresegments can be pivotally linked together to form an individual linkedsection. It should be noted that not all of the segments depicted inFIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b , 5, 6, and 16, depict sets of drivemember engagement slots 290, 296. However, substantially all of thesegments of the embodiments of the tower assemblies will have drivemember engagement slots 290, 296 and/or ribs 390, 396 that can beengaged by drive members 178 (best depicted in FIGS. 11a, 11b, 13b, 15aand 19-22).

Each linked section can then be wound onto a bale frame 220 such thatthey assume bale forms 234, 236, and 238. Each bale is rollinglysupported on a center shaft 228 that is connected to retractable biasingelements 232 and followers or shoes 230, with the followers 230slidingly received by guide rails 216, 218 located on inner surfaces208, 212, of wings 206 and 210. As will be understood, the retractableresilient spring-like elements 230 may be omitted under some useconditions, if desired.

To form a column, the segments 245 from each of the linked sections aresimultaneously fed from the bales into the guide assembly 140 andbetween the outer frame 180 and the drive module 141 at portals 187. Asthe drive assembly 165 of the drive module 141 engages each of thesegments, the segments engage each other to form the column 300, and thecolumn 300 is extended out of a triangularly shaped, vertically openingslot defined by the drive module 141 and the outer frame 180 at theupper end of the guide assembly 140.

The tower assemblies described above are lightweight and portable, thesmallest versions of which may be carried by hand. The columns of thetower assemblies can be rapidly extended and retracted so that the towerassembly can be quickly deployed and redeployed to different locations,as needed. The column of the tower assembly is quite strong and caneffectively resist lateral forces such as wind. The column of the towerassembly can be used for many purposes, such as surveillance,communication, illumination, etc. and can provide a platform thatsupports a variety of equipment.

With general reference to FIGS. 27a -30, embodiments of a guide assembly140 that comprises a drive module 141 and an outer frame 180 are shown.With reference to FIG. 27a-27b , an illustrative embodiment of the outerframe 180 (sometimes referred to as a reaction ring) is shown. The outerframe or reaction ring 180 includes a plurality of support posts 182. Aswith a previously described embodiment, each support post 182 includesan inner facing surface, an outer facing surface, an upper end, a lowerend, and angled side surfaces. In some embodiments, the support post maybe rigidly connected to the inner ends of rail guides 216, 218 (see alsoFIG. 8). The support posts 182 are connected to each other by lowerbrace members 184 and upper brace members 486, which together define aportal 187 that can receive segments of chain sections, as the chainsegments are fed into a space defined by the drive module 141 and theouter frame 180. Some embodiments of the lower brace members 184 mayinclude opposing ends that are configured to abut the side surfaces oftwo posts 182. As shown in FIGS. 27a and 27b , each end of the lowerbrace member 184 may be provided with a threaded aperture that canreceive a fastening element that is used to connect the lower brace tothe posts 182. The upper brace members 486 are connected to the supportposts 182 in a similar, though more robust manner. The upper bracemembers 486 are considerably wider than the lower brace members so thatthe upper brace member 486 is able to substantially overlay and protectportions of the linear drive members 178 that extend through notches 445(FIG. 28) in the side panels or side walls of the drive module 141. Thisarrangement allows additional fastening elements to be used, and resultsin a stronger outer frame (or reaction ring) 180. As shown in FIGS. 27aand 27b , each end of an upper brace member 486 can include more thantwo fastening elements to connect the upper brace member to the supportpost 182. As with a previously described embodiment, each upper bracemember 486 may include one or more vertically aligned slide rails 188that are used to guide the tower or column as it is being extended andretracted from vertically opening slots located at the end of the guideassembly (see, FIG. 8).

With reference to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30, an illustrative embodiment of adrive module 141 of a guide assembly 140 is shown. With this embodiment,the drive module 141 has a housing comprised of a plurality of sidepanels 443, which are removably secured to an inner frame 142 by one ormore fastening elements such as set screws or countersunk screws (notshown). Generally, some embodiments of the side panels 443 may beconfigured to operatively engage a segment 545 as it is being retractedor extended. More specifically, one or more side panels 443 may includea channel or slot 448 that is configured to operatively engage aprojection that extends from a segment 545. The channel or slot 448,which extends inwardly and which is substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the drive module 141, is configured and arranged toslidingly receive and guide a projection 676 of a retaining member 660that is operatively connected to a segment 545 (see, also, FIGS. 33 and34). In some embodiments, the channel may have a cross-section thatincludes a bottom wall and side walls that are substantially parallel toeach other. In some embodiments, the channel may have a cross-sectionthat includes side walls that converge towards each other as they extendaway from the base, or which diverge away from each other as they extendaway from the base. With channels having convergent side walls, aprojection that extends from a segment could be configured withsimilarly configured walls, so that the projection may be slidinglyretained by the channel. In other embodiments, the channel may have agenerally circular cross-section with convergent or divergent ends. Inoperation, when a segment 545 is unwound from a bale to form a columnand brought into engagement with the drive unit 141, the projection 676of the retaining member is fed into the channel 448 at bottom end 450and slid therealong until it exits a top end 452 of the channel 448.When a column is retracted and a segment 545 is wound onto a bale, theinteraction between the projection 676 of the retaining member and thechannel 448 of the side panel is reversed. That is, the projection isfed into the channel 448 at top end 452 and is slid therealong until itexits the bottom end 450. In some embodiments, the bottom and top endsof the channel may be flared to facilitate initial operative engagementbetween a segment and a side panel. In general, this operativeengagement between the segment and the side panel has been found to addrigidity to the tower structure as it is being extended or retracted,and to an erected column as a whole. As depicted in an illustrativeembodiment, the channel or slot 448 is formed in an insert 446, whichfits into a recess 444 in a side panel 443. In some embodiments, theinsert may be formed from plastic material, such as an acetal polymer,HVP-13, DELRIN® AF. In other embodiments, materials such as Nylon,polyurethane, polyimide, PPS or PVC may be used. In some embodiments, achannel may be formed by two parallel strips of material.

In alternative embodiments, the channel or slot 448 of some side panelsmay be omitted and replaced with a rail that is substantially parallelto the longitudinal axis of the drive module 141, and the projection ofthe retaining member may be omitted and replaced with a slotted shoeportion that rides along the rail. As will be understood, someembodiments of a side panel may include more than one set of channelsand projections, if desired. As with previous side panels such asdepicted in FIGS. 9a and 9c , each side panel 443 may include elementssuch as opposing side notches 445 (FIG. 28) that are configured to allowportions of linear drive members 178 to extend outwardly beyond theouter surfaces of the side panels.

Referring again to FIGS. 28-30, an embodiment of the inner frame of adrive module 141 may include an upper or first mounting block 144′, amid or second mounting block (not shown), a mid or third mounting block(not shown) and a lower or fourth mounting block (not shown) (see, forexample, FIGS. 9c, 9d, 10a and 10b ). As shown, the first mounting blockmay be provided with a notch 152′ that is configured to receive sidewall embodiments 443 that include an insert 446 with a channel or slot448. As will be understood, the second and subsequent mounting blocksmay also be provided with similar notches so that the insert 446 canextend partially or along the entire length of the drive module 141.

Referring generally to FIGS. 31-33, each of the individual segments 545includes a substantially rigid body 546 that includes a first panel 548,a second panel 550, a first side wall, 552, a second side wall, 554, atop end 556 with an upper crossbeam 557, and a bottom end 558 with alower crossbeam 559. The body 546 may include a center opening 560 andmay include a diagonal brace 562. In some embodiments, the panels 548,550 of the body are spaced apart from each other by one or more webs 564a-f (see also, for example, FIG. 13a ). In some embodiments, the webs564 a-f may be substantially parallel to each other. In someembodiments, the webs 564 a-f may be spaced at intervals between theside walls 552 and 554, and formed by an extrusion or pulltrusionprocess. In embodiments that are formed by the extrusion process, thecenter opening 560 may be formed by removal of material, such as bymachining.

With reference to FIG. 31, the second panel 550 includes an outersurface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface mayinclude spaced-apart raised portions 576, 578 that are adjacent the sidewalls 552, 554, respectively, and which extend from the top end 556 tothe bottom end 558. The raised portions 576, 578 are configured andarranged to engage the slide rails 188 of upper brace members 186 of theouter frame 180 (FIG. 8) as the segments 545 are extended and retractedby the guide assembly 140. The second panel 550 may also include arecessed portion 580 and transition portions 582, 584 that connect therecessed portion 580 to the raised portions 576, 578. When a retainingmember 660 is installed on a segment 545 (FIGS. 34 and 35), theengagement section 666 will project outwardly with respect to the secondpanel 550, and inwardly with respect to the center of the bale. In someinstances, this may cause the tip of the first end 670 to catch on thelower crossbeam of an adjacent segment when the chain section is beingwound or unwound upon the bale frame 220 (FIGS. 15a-17d ). In order tominimize this possibility, a notch or passageway 549 (FIG. 33) may beprovided in the bottom of the lower crossbeam 559, at the first panel548.

With reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, the first panel 548 includes aplurality of linear drive openings that extend transversely between theside walls 552, 554. In some embodiments, the drive openings are in theform of parallel slots that are arranged in columns that extend from thetop end 556 to the bottom end 558. In some embodiments, the slots (whichmay define ribs therebetween) have lengths that are defined by the sidewalls and webs. In an illustrative embodiment, the drive openings mayinclude a first set of transverse slots 590 (FIG. 32) and a second setof transverse slots 596 (FIG. 32). In the illustrative embodiment, thelengths of the first set of slots 590 are defined, generally, by sidewall 554 and web 564 d and the lengths of the second set of slots 596are defined, generally, by side wall 552 and web 564 c. In someembodiments, one or more of the ribs defined by the slots 590 and 596may be reinforced by webs 564 a and 564 a. In some embodiments, theslots are formed by machining, with the slots 590, 596 defining ribs(see, for example, FIGS. 11c, 11d ).

Referring now to FIGS. 31-33, the first side wall 552 will now bediscussed. An embodiment of a first side wall 552 includes an upperengagement member 630 that is angled forwardly (or inwardly) relative tothe surface of the first panel 550, and which has a peg carrying portion631 that may extend above the top end 556. The peg carrying portionincludes an aperture 632 that receives a peg 334 that extends above thesegment 545 in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the peg 334may be formed from plastic material such as acetal, polyacetal orpolyformaldehyde (POM), and press-fitted into the aperture 632. Otherembodiments of the peg 334 may include an external thread that canengage an internal thread in the aperture 632. Alternative embodimentsof the peg may be formed from other materials such as metal. In someembodiments, the peg 334 may be provided with a collar 335 that abuts ahorizontal shoulder 633 of the peg carrying portion 631 when the peg isseated in aperture 632. The first side wall 552 also includes a middleengagement member 636 that is also forwardly (or inwardly) angled andincludes upper and lower surfaces 636 a, 636 b that are substantiallyparallel to each other. In some embodiments, the upper and lowersurfaces 636 a, 636 b may be upwardly curved. The first side wall 552also includes a lower engagement member 638 that is also forwardly (orinwardly) angled and includes a curved vertical surface 639 againstwhich a lower engagement member 644 of a laterally adjacent segment 545is brought into an abutting engagement as a peg 334 of a verticallyadjacent engagement member 630 is translated into and engages arespective slot 646 from below (see, for example, FIGS. 20-26 e). Notethat as the peg 334 engages the slot 646 from below, the peg 334 drawsthe lower engagement member 644 up against the curved surface 639 of thelower engagement member 638 in a camming action, and the connectionbetween the segments becomes tighter and tighter as the peg translatesfrom a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

Referring again to FIGS. 31-33, the second side wall 554 will now bediscussed. The second side wall 554 of each segment includes engagementmembers that enable laterally and vertically adjacent segments to becoupled together. An embodiment of a second side wall 554 includes amiddle engagement member 640 (FIG. 31) that is forwardly (or inwardly)angled and which comprises two spaced apart fingers 641 a, 641 b. Thefingers are configured and arranged to engage and straddle the middleengagement member 636 of a laterally adjacent segment so that it iscaptured therebetween. In some embodiments, the fingers 641 a, 641 b mayinclude curved surfaces that are configured to complement curvedsurfaces of the middle engagement member 636 so that when laterallyadjacent segments are coupled together the surfaces releasably interlockwith each other. The second side wall 554 also includes a lowerengagement member 644 that is forwardly (or inwardly) angled and whichhas a slot 646 that is configured to receive a peg 334 of a laterallyand vertically adjacent segment as the segments 545 are coupled togetherto form a column. In some embodiments the middle engagement members ofeach side wall may be provided with vertically aligned through holes orapertures 637, 642, into which a peg, a fastener or even a padlock maybe inserted so as provide a more permanent structure and/or tostrengthen the structure. Some embodiments of the side wall 554 mayinclude an additional upper engagement member 647 that is also forwardly(or inwardly) angled and includes a curved vertical surface 648 thatengages and positions an upper engagement member 630 of a laterallyadjacent segment.

Turning now to FIGS. 34-35, an illustrative alternative embodiment of aretaining member or bale 660 comprises a body 662 (FIG. 34) having anattachment section 664 and an engagement section 666 is shown. Theembodiment includes a body 662 that is generally triangularly shaped andmay include elements such as a first edge surface 668, a first end 670that terminates with a rounded tip, a second edge surface 672 and asecond end 674. The first edge surface 668 spans portions of both theattachment section 664 and engagement section 666 of the body 662,beginning with the tip of the first end 670 and extending to the secondend 674. In some embodiments, the first edge surface 668 may begenerally convex and curve outwardly with respect to the legs. An innerpivot shaft contacting surface 688 of second edge surface 672 begins atthe tip of the first end 670 and terminates at the second notch 686. Insome embodiments, the inner, pivot shaft engaging surface 688, whichengages a pivot shaft 350 of an adjacent hinge connection, is generallyconcave and curved inwardly. As will be noted, the innermost segmentsthat are carried near the center of the bale frame 220 do not overlayother segments. So, for these few initial segments the engaging surfaces688 of the bale latches 660 will not engage adjacent pivot shafts 350.Instead, the engaging surfaces 688 will engage the rods 226 of the baleframe 220 (see, for example, FIGS. 17a-17d ). When installed on asegment, the engagement section 666 of the retaining member or balelatch 660 will project outwardly with respect to the second panel 550,and inwardly with respect to the center of the bale. The attachmentsection 664 may also include elements such as a first leg or projection676 having a portion that adjoins the second end 674, a second leg 682,a first notch 680 and a second notch 686. As shown, the legs 676, 682may be generally parallel with respect to each other and are spacedapart from each other so as to define the first notch 680 that canreceive a portion of a first panel 548 of a segment 545. Note that thesecond leg 682 may span the distance between the first and second panels548, 550. The attachment section 664 may also include elements such as asecond notch 686 that can receive a portion of a second panel 550 of thesegment 545. In some embodiments, the retaining member 660 can bereceived by an aperture or socket in a segment, where the aperture orsocket is defined and formed by panels 548, 550 and webs 564 e and 564 fas depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33. As shown, the first leg or projection676 can extend outwardly beyond the first panel 548 so that it is ableto slidingly engage the channel or slot 448 of side wall 443 (FIGS. 34and 35). In some embodiments the retaining member 660 may include a finor extension 689 (FIG. 34) that allows the projection to engage a largerportion of the slot, and thus provide additional guidance and stabilityto the segment and the column. In some embodiments, the retaining member660 may be rigidly connected to the segment, as for example, by weldingor by the use of fastening elements such as threaded bolts.

In some earlier described embodiments, vertically adjacent segments,e.g. 245 are connected to each other by one or more pivot support blocks320 (in a manner as shown in FIGS. 20-22, for example). An alternativeembodiment of a pivot support block 620 is shown in FIGS. 36 and 30,where each pivot support block 620 is generally rectangularly shaped andincludes a body 621 having sides 622, a first end 623 and a second end624. Alternatively, the body may be generally cylindrically shaped. Thefirst end 623 includes a transverse aperture 625 that is configured andarranged to receive a pivot shaft 350, while the second end 624 includesa transverse aperture 626 that is configured and arranged to receive afastening element such as a threaded bolt that is used to secure theblock 620 to a segment 545. In the illustrative embodiment, the secondend of block 620 may be insertable into a longitudinally alignedaperture 565 located at the bottom end of each segment 545. Someembodiments of the block 620 may be provided with one or more outwardlyextending elements such as flanges 627 that include engagement surfaces628, 629. The second end 624 can be attached to a segment by insertioninto aperture 565, and when inserted, one or more of the engagementsurfaces 628 may contact portions of the segment 545 and position thebody 620 so that the transverse aperture 626 is brought into alignmentwith a transverse aperture in the segment 545, thus facilitatinginsertion and attachment of the fastening element. The support block(s)need only be connected at one end of each segment. The other end of eachsegment may include connecting arms 566 that are formed by extending theside walls 552, 554 and webs 564 a, 564 b, respectively. In someembodiments, the arms 566 receive a first end 623 of the pivot supportblock 620 therebetween. The arms 566 include transverse apertures 568that are configured and arranged to be aligned with the transverseaperture 625 of the first end 623 of the support block 620, so that apivot rod 350 may be inserted therethrough and adjacent segments may bepivotally connected together.

Another alternative embodiment of a pivot support block 720 as shown inFIGS. 37a-37c and 31-33. Each pivot support block 720 includes a body721 having sides 722, a first end 723 and a second end 724.Alternatively, the body may be generally cylindrically shaped. The firstend 723 includes a transverse aperture 725 that is configured andarranged to receive a pivot shaft 350, while the second end 724 includesa transverse aperture 726 that is configured and arranged to receive afastening element such as a threaded bolt that is used to secure theblock 720 to a segment 545. In illustrative embodiments, the second end724 of a block 720 may be insertable into a longitudinally alignedaperture 565 located at the bottom end of each segment 545, and securedwith a transverse fastening element such as a threaded bolt. The block720 may be provided with one or more laterally extending elements suchas flanges 727 that may include curved surfaces 728, and which mayinclude one or more engagement surfaces 729. As the second end 724 isattached to a segment, as by insertion, one or more of the engagementsurfaces 729 may contact portions of the segment 545 and position thebody 720 so that the transverse aperture 726 is brought into alignmentwith a transverse aperture in the segment 545, thus facilitatinginsertion and attachment of the fastening element. The flanges 727provide additional strength as well as clearance for adjacent, pivotallyconnected segments. The support block(s) 720 need only be connected atone end of each segment. The other end of each segment may includeconnecting arms 566 that are formed by extending the side walls 552, 554and webs 564 a, 564 b, respectively. In some embodiments, the arms 566receive a first end 723 of the pivot support block 720 therebetween. Thearms 566 include transverse apertures 568 that are configured andarranged to be aligned with the transverse aperture 725 of the first end723 of the support block 720, so that a pivot rod 350 may be insertedtherethrough and adjacent segments may be pivotally connected together.

Referring now to FIGS. 38-40, in operation, the first segment 545 a ofeach bale is positioned so that it can be engaged by the drive module141. As the drive module engages each segment, it pulls in a successivesegment through a portal. As each successive segment 545 b translatesfrom a generally horizontal orientation to a substantially verticalorientation, the successive segments 545 b engage the first segments 545a and bring the lower ends of the first segments 545 a together in acamming action. The coupling of adjacent segments is as follows. In FIG.38, segments 545 a of adjacent chain sections have already beenpartially interconnected. That is, the upper ends of the segments havealready been connected to each other, for example, by a cap (not shown).In addition, the engagement members of the first side wall 552 ofsegment 545 a of a first chain section are coupled to the engagementmembers of the second side wall 554 of segment 545 a of a laterallyadjacent second chain section. Engagement members of the first side wall552 of segment 545 a of the second chain section are coupled to theengagement members of the second side wall 554 of segment 545 a of athird chain section. And, engagement members of the first side wall 552of segment 545 a of the third chain section are coupled to theengagement members of the second side wall 554 of segment 545 a of thefirst chain section. Thus, forming a column having a height of onecourse.

As will be noted, the segments 545 a may represent the starter course ofthe column 300, and they may be positioned furthest from the guideassembly 140 when the column 300 is extended (see FIG. 3a ). In someembodiments, this starter course may comprise a preassembled, unitary,rigid frame to which segments of the chain sections are attached. Thatis, the upper end of the starter course may be provided with a cap 302that connects the upper ends of the segments together (FIG. 2b ). Notethat such an embodiment the chain sections will not be able to be fullywithdrawn out of the portals 187 of the guide assembly 140.

As the starter course 545 a is engaged by the drive module 141, segments545 b (FIG. 38) of the three chain sections are fed into the portals 187of the guide assembly 140 (not shown). In doing so, the orientation ofthe segments 545 b translates from a generally horizontal orientation toa substantially vertical orientation. As can be seen in FIGS. 38-40, asthe segments 545 b are translated, the pegs 334 are brought intoregistry with slots 646 of the lower engagement members 644 of thesegments of the preceding course of segments, which in these figures arelabeled as segments 545 a. As the segments continue to be coupledtogether as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the engagement members of thefirst and second side walls are brought into contact with each other. Asmentioned above, when a peg 334 engages the angled slot 646 of avertically and horizontally adjacent segment, the peg 334 will snug thelower engagement member 644 (FIG. 40) of segment 545 a of a chainsection up against the vertical or stop surface 639 of lower engagementmember 638 of a segment 545 a of a laterally adjacent chain section.This interconnection between vertically adjacent segments adds to therigidity of a column by allowing a portion of the torsional forces thatmay be exerted on the column to be distributed in a generally helicalmanner. This interconnection is further strengthened with the provisionof an upper engagement member 647 of a second sidewall 554 that engagesthe upper engagement member 630 of a first side wall 552 as the sidewalls of all of the chain sections come into registry with each other toform a column.

An illustrative embodiment of a tower assembly 118′ is depicted in FIG.41. In this embodiment, the tower assembly 118′ may include elementssuch as one or more protective cowls or shrouds 810. Each cowl or shroud810 is essentially a protective shell that substantially encloses achain section 234′ and its associated bale assembly and provides asafety barrier between the chain section and nearby personnel. Inaddition, the cowl protects the internal components from externalitiessuch as inclement weather, sand and dirt contamination, foreign objects,animals, insects, etc. In exemplary embodiments, a single cowl coversand protects a single bale assembly. However, if there is more than onebale assembly, each bale assembly may be provided with its own cowl, ifdesired. In an illustrative embodiment (FIG. 41), a cowl 810 may includea first side wall 812, a second opposing side wall 814, a top portion816 an edge portion 818 and a bottom portion 820, with the top, edge andbottom portions, and the first and second side walls forming anenclosure with an internal cavity 822 having an opening (see, forexample, opening 824′ of FIG. 64) into which the bale is received. Thecavity 822 is configured and arranged so as to be able to protectivelycover a bale frame and a chain section of tower assembly 118′ as a toweris extended and retracted. To that end, each side wall of the cowl maybe provided with a slot 826, 828, which accommodates a guide rail 216,218 that is attached to an inner surface of a wing or winglet 206′,210′. In some embodiments, each side wall 812, 814 may also be providedwith a recess 830, 832 (recess 832 of side 814 not shown) that is sizedto receive a wing 206′, 210′ in a nesting relation. With such anembodiment, the inner surfaces of the wings 206′, 210′ are in aconfronting relation with portions of the external surfaces of the firstand second side walls 812, 814. If desired, the wings 206′ and 210′ maybe secured to the cowl 810 by one or more fastening elements.Alternatively, the side walls of the cowl may be provided with one ormore tabs, slots or a channel which is able to engage the edge of a wingwhen the cowl is attached to a tower assembly. The cowl or shroud 810may include one or more apertures 834 located adjacent the opening (see,for example, 824′ of FIG. 64). The apertures 834 are positioned to comeinto registry with threaded apertures in a frame post (950 to bediscussed hereafter) when the cowl is positioned about a bale frame andchain section, prior to connecting the cowl to the tower assembly 118′.In an exemplary embodiment edges of the opening (see, for example, 824′of FIG. 64) are sized so that they are able to confront two verticalframe posts 950 and upper and lower transverse brace members 184′ and186′ (see FIGS. 41 and 42). In an illustrative embodiment, a cowling 810is attached to upper ribs 996, 997 and lower ribs 998, 999 of adjacentframe posts 950 (see FIG. 42). In some embodiments, a cowl may beprovided with one or more elements such as gaskets and/or sealing and/orcaulking material “G” (FIG. 41) which further prevent infiltration ofundesirable external elements. As will be understood, the cowl may beremovably attached to the tower assembly by fastening elements such asthreaded screws.

In some embodiments, a cowl may be fabricated from sound deadeningmaterial and/or may include sound deadening material that reduces thesound level of the device during operation. In some embodiments, theexternal surfaces of one or more cowls may act as runners that enablethe device to be dragged or pushed to a location. In other embodiments,one or more cowls may be manufactured from material or include anexternal coating or covering that has a thermal signature that issimilar to its surroundings. In other embodiments, one or more cowls maybe fabricated and/or provided with additional material so that it mayblend in with its surroundings (i.e. camouflage). For example, the cowlscould be configured so as to simulate a rock or pile of rocks. Or, thecowls could be configured so as to simulate a tree stump with roots. Or,the cowls could be configured so as to simulate a shrub, a cactus, atermite mound, or even an entrance to an animal's underground lair. Inthe latter instance, a user could deposit earth around the cowls to forma mound. The provision of cowls also enables the device to be partiallyor substantially embedded or buried into the environment in which it issited (for example, sand, snow, ice, etc.). Conversely, in thoseinstances where the geographical location of the device needs to beknown, a cowl may be fabricated from material that can be easilydetected, such as fluorescent material, radar reflective material, orthe like. Further, the tower assembly and/or one or more cowls may beprovided with one or more electronic sensors, monitors and/orsignaling/receiving devices such as a global positioning transmitter(GPS). A GPS would be desirable in situations where a device isimplanted in a location and left to operate autonomously, but which maybe retrieved at a later date (for example, a weather station).

An outer frame 180′ that may be used in conjunction with the towerassembly 118′ is shown in FIGS. 41-42. The outer frame 180′ or reactionring 180′ may include a plurality of vertical support posts 950, witheach support post 950 having an inner facing surface 951 (FIGS. 43-44),an outer facing surface formed by members 953 a and 953 b, an upper end952 and a lower end 954. The upper end 952 includes at least one firstportion 955 a to which a transverse upper brace member 186′ may beconnected. In some embodiments, the first portion of the upper end is inthe form of a flange that includes at least one transverse aperture thatreceives a fastening element that is used to connect the first portionof the post 950 to the upper brace member 186′. In an illustrativeembodiment, the first portion is in the form of a pair of flanges 956,958 (FIG. 43) that form a slot 960 that is able to receive the portionof the upper brace member 186′ therein, with the first portion and theupper brace member secured to each other by one or more fasteningelements that are received in apertures 962 (see also FIGS. 43 and 44).In some embodiments, the upper end 952 may be provided with a secondportion 955 b to which a second transverse upper brace member 186′ maybe connected. In some embodiments, the second portion may be in the formof a flange that includes at least one transverse aperture that receivesa fastening element that is used to connect the second portion of thepost to a second brace. In an illustrative embodiment, the secondportion 955 b is in the form of a pair of flanges 957, 959, that form aslot 961 that is able to receive a portion of the second upper bracemember 186′ therein, with the second portion and the second upper bracemember secured to each other by one or more fastening elements that arereceived in apertures 963. With embodiments that include first andsecond portions with first and second slots, the slots are angled withrespect to each other. The angle that the slots define depends upon howmany sides there are in a column. In the case of a three sided towerassembly having three frame posts 950, the first and second slots 960,961 define an acute angle therebetween of around 60 degrees.

Similarly, the lower end 954 of frame post 950 includes a third portion971 a and a fourth portion 971 b to which third and fourth transverselower brace members may be connected. In an illustrative embodiment, thethird portion 971 a is in the form of a pair of flanges 972, 974 thatform a slot 976 that is able to receive the portion of the lower bracemember 184′ therein, with the portion and the lower brace member securedto each other by one or more fastening elements that are received inapertures 978 (see also FIGS. 43 and 44). In an illustrative embodiment,the fourth portion 971 b is in the form of a pair of flanges 973, 975,that form a slot 977 that is able to receive a portion of the secondlower brace member 184′ therein, with the second portion and the secondlower brace member secured to each other by one or more fasteningelements that are received in apertures 979 (see also FIGS. 43 and 44).As with embodiments that include third and fourth portions with thirdand fourth slots, the slots are angled with respect to each other. Theangle that the slots define depends upon how many sides there are in acolumn. In the case of a three sided tower assembly having three frameposts 950, the third and fourth slots define an acute angle therebetweenof around 60 degrees. In an illustrative embodiment a platform 185 (FIG.42) may be supported by one or more lower brace members 184′.

In illustrative embodiments, the frame post 950 may include a fifthportion 967 a and a sixth portion 967 b, located between the first andsecond ends 952 and 954, with the fifth and sixth portions configuredand arranged to be connected to freestanding wings or winglets 206′,210′ that form parts of two bale support assemblies. The wings orwinglets 206′ and 210′ are secured to a frame post 950 by one or morefastening elements such as threaded screws (FIG. 42). As with otherembodiments, the wings or winglets 206′ and 210′ may be stabilized by atransverse gusset 214′ that is removably connected to the wings by oneor more fastening elements. In some embodiments, the fifth portion maycomprise a single flange. In an illustrative embodiment, the fifthportion 967 a comprises flanges 980, 982 a and 982 b that define twoslots 984 that are able to receive the portions of a wing 206′ (FIG.43). Note that the wing 206′ includes a guide rail 216). In order toachieve a strong connection between a wing and a frame post, a reliefnotch 986 a is provided between flanges 982 a and 982 b. The reliefnotch 986 a receives a portion of a guide rail that is attached to awing. Further, the frame post itself may be provided with its own reliefnotch 986 b that can receive an end of the guide rail, thus furtherstrengthening the tower assembly construction (FIG. 42). In use, a wing206′ is inserted into the slots 984 and secured to the flanges byfastening elements that are received in one or more apertures 988.Similarly, in an illustrative embodiment, the sixth portion 967 bcomprises flanges 981, 983 a and 983 b that define two slots 985 thatare able to receive portions of a second wing 210′. Note that the secondwing includes a guide rail 218. In order to achieve a strong connectionbetween a second wing and a frame post, a relief notch 987 a is providedbetween flanges 983 a and 983 b. The relief notch 987 a receives aportion of a guide rail that is attached to the second wing. Further,the frame post itself may be provided with its own relief notch 987 bthat can receive an end of a guide rail, thus further strengthening thetower assembly construction (FIG. 42). In use, the second wing 210′ isinserted into the slots 985 and secured to the flanges by fasteningelements that are received in one or more apertures 989. The slots ofthe fifth and sixth portions define an obtuse angle of around 120degrees. As with the first and second pair of slots, the angle that theslots of the fifth and sixth portions define will be contingent upon thenumber of sides that are used to form a column.

In illustrative embodiments, the second or lower end 954 of the post 950may include an enlarged bottom that forms a foot 990. The foot mayinclude an aperture 992 so that the post 950 may be connected to asupport by way of a fastening element such as threaded fastener. As willbe understood, the support to which a post may be attached can be a basesuch as the base 120 of previous embodiments. Alternatively, the supportmay be an immovable object such as a building or a movable object suchas a vehicle. Other supports may be used without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. In some embodiments, a frame post 950may include an outwardly opening channel 994 that extends along thelongitudinal length of the post and which is bordered by outwardlyfacing surfaces 953 a and 953 b. The channel 994 can be used as anattachment point for accessories or other ancillary equipment. In someembodiments, the channel may have a T-shaped cross-section. In someembodiments, the channel may be used to store a portion of an outrigger.In an illustrative embodiment, a post 950 may include a plurality ofoutwardly extending ribs 996 and 998, 997 and 999 that may serve asattachment points for one or more protective cowls.

With reference to FIGS. 2b and 8, some outer guide frame embodiments mayinclude an upper transverse brace member 186 having one or more inwardlyfacing slide rails 188. The slide rails 188 are used to position chainsection segments as they engage linear drive members of a drive module141. Alternatively, the slide rails may be replaced with one or morerollers that may be individually connected to the frame, or which may beconnected to one or more sub-frames or brackets that are, in turn,connected to the frame. In an illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIGS.45-47, one or more rollers 764 may be mounted onto a bracket orsub-frame 738 to form a guide module 740. The sub-frame or bracket 738includes a generally planar base 742 with an inwardly facing surface 744an outwardly facing surface 746 (FIG. 47) and first and second apertures748 and 750 (FIG. 45), a plurality of inner rails or walls 754, 758, aplurality of outer rails or walls 752, 756, and one or more platforms760 (FIG. 46). The rails or walls extend inwardly from the inner surfaceof the base and are arranged so as to form roller support structures 755and 759 (FIG. 45). The rails or walls include apertures that areconfigured and arranged to receive shafts 762 that support one or morerollers 764. In some embodiments, the rails or walls of the supportstructures 755, 759 are substantially parallel to each other and are inalignment with the longitudinal axis of the sub-frame or bracket. In anillustrative embodiment, the inner and outer rails or walls of eachsupport structure 755, 759 are substantially parallel to each other andas best shown in FIG. 47 are also angled with respect to the base 742 atan angle θ between the outer wall and a line perpendicular to surface744. In exemplary embodiments, each support structure 755, 759 is angledθ approximately 20 degrees from a perpendicular line extending from thebase 742. Such a configuration positions the rollers 764 so that theyare better able to maintain a consistent low-friction contact forceagainst the chain section segments as they are extended or retracted.

In some guide module embodiments, inner rails or walls 754 and 758 ofthe support structures 755 and 759 may be connected to each other by oneor more webs 766 to form a unitary piece that can be attached to theinwardly facing surface 744 of the base 742. In illustrativeembodiments, the rollers 764 are rotatably mounted on shafts 762 thatare connected to the support structures 755 and 759. Some embodiments ofthe shafts 762 may include a head, a threaded shaft and a nut. In someembodiments, the rollers 764 may be provided with self aligning bearingsthat enable the rollers to accommodate variations in individual chainsection segments. In exemplary embodiments, the rollers 764 includespherical bearings.

The guide module 740 is connected to an inwardly facing surface of anouter frame. A preferred attachment location is at the same verticallevel as a drive element of the drive unit. Such a location may includethe inner surface of a transverse upper brace member 186′. In anillustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 46, the outwardly facing surface746 of the base 742 includes one or more platforms 760. Each platform760 is transversely oriented relative to the base 742 and includes anaperture that is configured and arranged to cooperatively engage theapertures 758, 750 in the base 742. One or more positioning elements(not shown) operatively connect the platform 760 to the upper bracemember 186′ via the first set of apertures and apertures in the upperbrace member 186′. That is, one end of a positioning element (not shown)is movably held by either one of the platform 760 or the transversebrace 186′, while the other end of the positioning element threadablyengages an aperture in the other one of the platform 760 or thetransverse brace member 186′.

In operation one or more positioning elements (not shown) are used toensure that the guide module 740 engages a chain section segment so thatthe segment is correctly engaged by a drive element of the drive unit.In some embodiments, the positioning elements are threaded bolts, whereone end of the bolt is rotatably connected to the upper brace member186′ and the other end is rotatably connected to the sub-frame orbracket 740. When the positioning element is rotated, the distancebetween the sub-frame 740 and the upper brace member 186′ can be varied.Once the guide module 740 has been properly adjusted and located, it canbe secured in position by one or more locking elements (not shown). Insome embodiments, the locking elements are threaded bolts that engagethreaded apertures in the upper brace member and protrude therethroughuntil they are able contact the guide module 740 and prevent movementthereagainst. In other embodiments, the locking elements are threadedbolts that are received in through holes, with the threaded ends of thebolts engaging threaded apertures associated with the guide module 740.Preferably, the drive heads of positioning elements and the lockingelements face outwardly relative to the upper brace member 186′. Such anarrangement enables a user to adjust the relative location of the guidemodule without having to dismantle and remove one or more chainsections. It is preferred that the guide module be rigidly connected tothe frame, since it will enable the tower to better resist torsionalforces that may be exerted against the tower.

With reference to FIGS. 48 and 49, an illustrative embodiment of a drivemodule 241 of a guide assembly that may be used in association with oneor more guide modules 740 is shown. With this embodiment, the drivemodule 241 may include a drive assembly 770. The drive module 241 has ahousing comprised of a plurality of side panels 443′ and bars 454′, allof which may be removably secured to an inner frame (see, for examplethe inner frame as shown in FIG. 9c ) by one or more fastening elementssuch as set screws or countersunk screws (not shown). Some embodimentsof the bars 454′ may be elongated and some embodiments of the bars 454′may have generally C-shaped cross-sections. Some embodiments of the bars454′ may extend along the entire length of the drive module 241. In anexemplary embodiment, the bars 454′ are connected at the apexes of oneor more mounting blocks of an inner frame of a drive module. Someembodiments of the side panels 443′ may be configured to operativelyengage a chain section segment as it is being retracted or extended(see, for example, segment 845 as shown in FIGS. 56-58). Morespecifically, one or more side panels 443′ may include a channel or slot448′ that is configured to operatively engage a projection that extendsfrom a chain section segment such as 545 or 845. The channel or slot448′, which extends inwardly and which is substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the drive module 241, is configured and arranged toslidingly receive and guide a projection 676 of a retaining member 660that is operatively connected to a segment 845 (c.f. FIGS. 33 and 34).In some embodiments, the channel 448′ may have a cross-section thatincludes a bottom wall and side walls that are substantially parallel toeach other. In some embodiments, the channel 448′ may have across-section that includes side walls that converge towards each otheras they extend away from the drive module 241, or which diverge awayfrom each other as they extend away from the drive module 241. Withchannels having convergent side walls, a projection that extends from asegment could be configured with similarly configured walls, so that theprojection may be slidingly retained by the channel. In otherembodiments, the channel may have a generally circular cross-sectionwith convergent or divergent ends.

In operation, when a segment 845 is unwound from a bale to form a columnand brought into engagement with the drive unit 241, the projection 676of the retaining member 660 is fed into the channel 448′ at bottom end450′ and slid therealong until it exits a top end 452′ of the channel448′. When a column is retracted and a segment 845 is wound onto a baleframe, the interaction between the projection 676 of the retainingmember 660 and the channel 448′ of the side panel is reversed. That is,the projection 676 is fed into the channel 448′ at top end 452′ and isslid therealong until it exits the bottom end 450′ (c.f. FIGS. 30, 34and 35). In some embodiments, the bottom and top ends of the channel maybe flared to facilitate initial operative engagement between a segmentand a side panel. In general, this operative engagement between a chainsection segment and a side panel has been found to add rigidity to thetower structure as it is being extended or retracted, and to an erectedcolumn as a whole. As depicted in an illustrative embodiment, thechannel or slot 448′ is formed in an insert 446′, which fits into arecess 444′ in a side panel 443′ (FIG. 48). In some embodiments, theinsert may be formed from plastic material, such as an acetal polymer,HVP-13, DELRIN® AF. In other embodiments, materials such as Nylon,polyurethane, polyimide, PPS or PVC may be used. In some embodiments, achannel may be formed by two parallel strips of material. Additionally,each side panel 443′ may be provided with side notch 445′ that isconfigured to allow a portion 808 of the drive assembly 770 to extendoutwardly beyond the outer surface of the side panel 443′ so that it isable to engage a chain section segment 845 (c.f. FIGS. 9d and 30).

Turning now to FIGS. 50-55, an embodiment of a drive assembly that maybe used in association with a drive module 241 will now be discussed. Inthis exemplary embodiment the drive assembly may take the form of aself-contained upper gear box 770, which may be connected to thegearbox/motive source 170, 172 located in the drive unit 241 (FIG. 49).In an illustrative embodiment, the upper gear box 770 may include anouter cage 772 that has in interior space that contains an inner housing780. (FIG. 55) The outer cage 772 may include elements such as an upperplate 774, a base 776 formed by lower plate(s) 777 a and 777 b, and aplurality of side walls 778 connecting the upper plate 774 to the base776 (FIGS. 50 and 54). The inner housing 780 is spaced inwardly from theside walls 778 of the cage 772 and is centrally located within theinterior space of the cage 772 (FIG. 55). In an exemplary embodiment, abevel gear (not shown) is attached to the output shaft of agearbox/motive source combination 170, 172, for example, by means of acollar 782 that may be keyed to a flat 784 on a D-shaped output shaftand secured with a fastening element 786 such as a set screw (FIG. 54).The bevel gear, which is positioned below the inner housing 780 so thatit faces up, is configured to simultaneously engage three bevel gears790 each of which is attached to a shaft 792 that is rotatably connectedto a side wall 781 of the housing 780 and a center support block 794 byinner and outer bearings, bushings or the like 796 (inner bearings ofcenter support block 794 not shown) (FIGS. 53 and 55).

In some embodiments, the center support block 794 depends downwardlyfrom an interior surface of the inner housing 780. In an illustrativeembodiment, the bevel gears 790 are protectively positioned within acavity 795 formed between the inner housing 780 and the center supportblock 794. In some embodiments, the cavity 795 may be provided withlubricant such as grease, and the cavity 795 itself may be effectivelysealed when the bevel gear (not shown) is connected to the bottom of theinner housing 780 (FIG. 54). A portion of each shaft 792 that protrudesthrough a respective inner housing wall 781 is connected to a first gear800 of a two gear drive train 798. The second gear 802 of the two geardrive train 798 is attached to a second shaft 804 that is rotatablymounted, via bushings or the like 806, to one of the inner housing sidewalls 781 and one of the side walls 778 of the cage. A pinion gear 808is also attached to the second shaft 804 so that it rotates in concertwith the second gear 802 (FIG. 53). The pinion gear 808, in turn,engages a chain section segment. Each pinion gear 808 is configured andarranged to engage a column of slots or ribs 890 (see FIGS. 57 and 58)that extend from the top to the bottom of a chain section segment sothat as the pinion rotates a segment can be moved in opposite directionsand form or disassemble a tower. Each pinion gear 808 is configured toengage only one segment of a chain section, so the need for multiple,parallel, columns of slots is reduced or eliminated. Having only onecolumn of slots or ribs significantly reduces the amount of labor andmachining that would otherwise be expended when manufacturingmulti-slotted drive engagement columns in a chain section segment.However, the pinion gear drive will be able to work with chain sectionsegments that have multiple columns of slots or ribs. In someembodiments, the gears are formed from the same material as the ribs orslots of the segments that they engage. A preferred material includesmetals such as aluminum.

Referring generally to FIGS. 56-58, illustrative embodiments of chainsection segments that may be used with a tower assembly are shown. Eachof the individual segments 845 may include elements such as asubstantially rigid body 846 that includes a first panel 848, a secondpanel 850, a first side wall, 852, a second side wall, 854, a top end856 with an upper crossbeam 857, and a bottom end 858 with a lowercrossbeam 859. The body 846 may include a center opening 860 and mayinclude a diagonal brace 862. In some embodiments, the panels 848, 850of the body are spaced apart from each other by one or more webs 864 a-f(see also, for example, FIG. 13a ). In some embodiments, the webs 864a-f may be substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments,the webs 864 a-f may be spaced at intervals between the side walls 852and 854, and formed by an extrusion or pulltrusion process. Inembodiments that are formed by the extrusion process, the center opening860 may be formed by removal of material, such as by machining.

With reference to FIG. 56, the second panel 850 includes an outersurface and an inner surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface mayinclude spaced-apart raised portions 876 and 878 that are adjacent theside walls 852, 854, respectively, and which extend from the top end 856to the bottom end 858. The raised portions 876, 878 are configured andarranged so that they are able to be engaged by the slide rails 188 ofupper brace members 186 of the outer frame 180 (FIG. 8) as the segments845 are extended and retracted by a guide assembly. The second panel 550may also include a recessed portion 880 and transition portions 882, 884that connect the recessed portion 880 to the raised portions 876, 878.The transition portions 882, 884 are configured and arranged so that ifa guide module 740 instead of slide rails 188 is used, the transitionportions 882, 884 are able to be engaged by rollers 764 of a guidemodule 740. When a retaining member 660 is installed on a segment 845(see, for example, FIGS. 34 and 35), the engagement section 666 willproject outwardly with respect to the second panel 850, and inwardlywith respect to the center of the bale. In some instances, this maycause the tip of the first end 670 to catch on the lower crossbeam of anadjacent segment when the chain section is being wound or unwound uponthe bale frame 220 (FIGS. 15a-17d ). In order to minimize thispossibility, a notch or passageway 849 may be provided in the bottom ofthe lower crossbeam 859, at the first panel 848.

With reference to FIGS. 57 and 58, the first panel 848 includes aplurality of linear drive openings that extend transversely between theside walls 852, 854. In some embodiments, the drive openings are in theform of parallel slots that are arranged in columns that extend from thetop end 856 to the bottom end 858. In some embodiments, the slots (whichmay define ribs therebetween) have lengths that are defined by the sidewalls and webs. In an illustrative embodiment, the drive openings mayinclude one set of transverse slots 890. In the illustrative embodiment,the lengths of the set of slots 890 are defined, generally, by web 864 band web 864 d. In some embodiments, the slots are formed by machining,with the slots 890 defining ribs (see, for example, FIGS. 11c, 11d ).

Referring now to FIGS. 56-58, the first side wall 852 will now bediscussed. An illustrative embodiment of a first side wall 852 includesan upper engagement member 930 that is angled forwardly (or inwardly)relative to the surface of the first panel 850, and which has a pegcarrying portion 931 that is located below the top end 856. The pegcarrying portion 931 includes an aperture 932 (FIG. 56) and atransversely oriented shoulder 933. The aperture 932 retains a peg 334that extends above the segment 845 in a vertical direction. In someembodiments, the peg 334 may be formed from plastic material such asacetal, polyacetal or polyformaldehyde (POM), and press-fitted into themember 930. Other embodiments of the peg 334 may include an externalthread that can engage an internal thread in the aperture 932.Alternative embodiments of the peg may be formed from other materialssuch as metal. In some embodiments, the peg 334 may be provided with acollar 335 that abuts the horizontal shoulder 933 of the peg carryingportion 931 when the peg is seated in aperture 932. The first side wall852 also includes a middle engagement member 936 that is also forwardly(or inwardly) angled and includes a curved vertical surface 937 againstwhich a lower engagement member 944 of a laterally adjacent segment 845is brought into an abutting engagement as a peg 334 of a verticallyadjacent engagement member 930 is translated into and engages arespective slot 946 from below. The first side wall 852 also includes alower engagement member 938 that is also forwardly (or inwardly) angledand includes a curved vertical surface 939 against which a lowerengagement member 944 of a laterally adjacent segment 845 is broughtinto an abutting engagement as a peg 334 of a vertically adjacentengagement member 930 is translated into and engages a respective slot946 from below (see, for example, FIGS. 20-26 e).

Referring again to FIGS. 56-58, the second side wall 854 will now bediscussed. The second side wall 854 of each segment includes engagementmembers that enable laterally and vertically adjacent segments to becoupled together. An embodiment of a second side wall 854 includes alower engagement member 944 that is forwardly (or inwardly) angled andwhich has a slot 946 that is located at the bottom thereof (FIG. 58),and which is configured to receive a vertically extending peg 334 thatis connected to a segment that becomes part of an adjacent lower courseof segments as the segments 845 are coupled together to form a column.Some embodiments of the side wall 854 may include an additional upperengagement member 947 that is also forwardly (or inwardly) angled andincludes a curved vertical surface 948 that engages and positions anupper engagement member 930 of a laterally adjacent segment whenadjacent segments are formed into a columnar structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 59-62, note that the upper end of the startercourse of segments 845 a may be provided with a cap that can beremovably attached thereto (see, for example, cap 302 of FIG. 2a ). Acap such as cap 302 serves to connect and tie the upper ends of thefirst course of the segments 845 a together. However, in FIGS. 59-62everything but three partial chain sections have been omitted to providea clearer understanding of the interaction between the segments andchain sections. In FIG. 59 the upper ends of the first course wouldnormally be connected to each other by, for example, a cap, while thelower ends of the first course have yet to be connected to each other.As will be apparent from the figures, the lower ends of the first courseof the segments will be tied to each other by interaction with the next,successive course of segments, as shown in FIGS. 60-62. In one mode ofoperation, the first segment of each bale is initially fed into one ofthe three portals of the guide assembly and positioned so that it issubstantially vertically oriented and so that it can be engaged by thedrive module (see, for example, FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3a ). In this preferredstarting position, the set of first segments 845 a represent the startercourse of a column. As will be noted, these first segments 845 a will bepositioned furthest from the guide assembly when the column is extended(see, for example, FIG. 3a ). In another mode of operation, a startercourse may comprise a preassembled, unitary, rigid frame that ispre-positioned in the tower assembly so that the segments are inengagement with the drive module. With the above modes of operation, theupper end of the starter course may extend above the top of the drivemodule and may be provided with a cap that can be removably attachedthereto (see, for example, cap 302 of FIG. 2a ). A cap such as cap 302serves to connect and tie the upper ends of the first course of thesegments together. With such embodiments the chain sections will not beable to be fully withdrawn out of the portals of the guide assembly.

Coupling of adjacent segments is as follows. With reference to FIG. 59,the upper ends of segments 845 a of adjacent chain sections have alreadybeen interconnected (as explained above, the cap that would normallybind or tie the upper ends together, has been omitted from the figure).In FIG. 59, the engagement members of the first side wall 852 of segment845 a of a first chain section are coupled to the engagement members ofthe second side wall 854 of segment 845 a of a laterally adjacent secondchain section. Engagement members of the first side wall 852 of segment845 a of the second chain section are coupled to the engagement membersof the second side wall 854 of segment 845 a of a third chain section.And, engagement members of the first side wall 852 of segment 845 a ofthe third chain section are coupled to the engagement members of thesecond side wall 854 of segment 845 a of the first chain section. Thus,forming a column having a height of one course.

As the starter course 845 a is engaged by a drive module, segments 845 b(FIG. 60) of the three chain sections are pulled into portals of theguide assembly (not shown). In doing so, the orientation of the segments845 b translates from a generally horizontal orientation to asubstantially vertical orientation. As can be seen in FIGS. 60-62 whensegments 845 b are translated from horizontal to vertical, the pegs 334are brought into registry with slots 946 of the lower engagement members944 of the segments of the preceding course of segments, which in thesefigures are labeled as segments 845 a. As the segments continue to becoupled together as shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the engagement members ofthe first and second side walls are brought into contact with eachother. As mentioned above, when a peg 334 engages the angled slot 946 ofa vertically and horizontally adjacent segment, the peg 334 will snugthe lower engagement member 944 of segment 845 a of a chain section upagainst the vertical or stop surfaces 937 and 939 of middle and lowerengagement members 936 and 938 of a segment 845 a of a laterallyadjacent chain section. The resulting interconnection allows verticallyadjacent chain sections (or courses) to be effectively pinned togetheralong the longitudinal axes of the pegs 334. This adds to the rigidityof a column and allows it to better resist torsional and bending forcesthat may be exerted on the column. This interconnection is furtherstrengthened with the provision of an upper engagement member 947 of asecond sidewall 854 that engages the upper engagement member 930 of afirst side wall 852 as the side walls of all of the chain sections comeinto registry with each other to form a column.

In the illustrative embodiment, segments 845 may be connected to eachother by one or more pivot support blocks, where one end of a block maybe insertable into a longitudinally aligned aperture 865 located at thebottom end of each segment 845. The support block(s) need only beconnected at one end of each segment 845. The other end of each segmentmay include connecting arms 866 that are formed by extending the sidewalls 852, 854 and webs 864 a, 864 b, respectively. In some embodiments,the arms 866 receive a first end of the pivot support block 620therebetween. The arms 866 include transverse apertures 868 that areconfigured and arranged to be aligned with the transverse aperture ofthe first end of the support block 620, so that a pivot rod 350 may beinserted therethrough and adjacent segments may be pivotally connectedtogether.

An illustrative embodiment of a tower assembly 118″ is depicted in FIG.63. In this embodiment, the tower assembly 118″ may include elementssuch as one or more protective cowls or shrouds 810′. Each cowl orshroud 810′ includes a protective shell that substantially encloses achain section 234″ and its associated bale assembly and provides asafety barrier between the chain section and nearby personnel. Inaddition, the cowl protects the internal components from externalitiessuch as inclement weather, sand and dirt contamination, foreign objects,animals, insects, etc. In exemplary embodiments, a single cowl coversand protects a single bale assembly. However, if there is more than onebale assembly, each bale assembly may be provided with its own cowl, ifdesired. In an illustrative embodiment (FIGS. 63 and 64), a cowl 810′may include a first side wall 812′, a second opposing side wall 814′, atop portion 816′ an edge portion 818′ and a bottom portion 820′, withthe top, edge and bottom portions, and the first and second side wallsforming an enclosure with an internal cavity 822′ having an opening 824′into which the bale is received. The cavity 822′ is configured andarranged so as to be able to protectively cover a bale frame and a chainsection of tower assembly 118″ as a tower is extended and retracted. Tothat end, each side wall of the cowl may be provided with a slot 826′,828′, which accommodates a guide rail 216, 218 that is attached to aninner surface of a wing or winglet 206′, 210′. In some embodiments, eachside wall 812′, 814′ may also be provided with a recess 830′, 832′ thatis sized to receive a wing 206′, 210′ in a nesting relation. With suchan embodiment, the inner surfaces of the wings 206′, 210′ are in aconfronting relation with portions of the external surfaces of the firstand second side walls 812′, 814′. If desired, the wings 206′ and 210′may be secured to the cowl 810 by one or more fastening elements. Thecowl or shroud 810′ may include one or more apertures 834′ locatedadjacent the opening 824 (FIG. 64). The apertures 834′ are positioned tocome into registry with threaded apertures in an outer guide frame 180″(to be discussed hereafter) when the cowl is positioned about a baleframe and chain section, prior to connecting the cowl to the towerassembly 118′. In an exemplary embodiment edges of the opening 824′ aresized so that they are able to confront two vertical frame posts 950 andupper and lower transverse brace members 184″ and 186″ (see FIGS. 63 and65). In an illustrative embodiment, a cowling 810′ may be attached toupper ribs 996′ and 997′, lower ribs 998′ and 999′ of adjacent frameposts 950′ (see FIG. 65), an extension 197′ of a top plate 196′, and abottom flange 189″ that is connected to lower transverse brace member184″. As will be understood, the cowl may be removably attached to thetower assembly by fastening elements such as threaded screws.

An outer frame 180″ that may be used in conjunction with the towerassembly 118″ is shown in FIGS. 63 and 65. The outer frame 180″ (alsocalled a reaction ring) may include a plurality of vertical supportposts 950′, with each support post 950′ having an inner facing surface(see, for example, 951 of FIGS. 43-44), an outer facing surface formedby members 953 a′ and 953 b′ (FIG. 65), an upper end and a lower end(see, for example 952 and 954 of FIGS. 43, 44). The upper end includesat least one first portion to which a transverse upper brace member 186″may be connected. The first portion of the upper end is in the form of aflange that includes at least one transverse aperture that receives afastening element that is used to connect the first portion of the post950′ to the upper brace member 186″. As with the previously describedembodiment shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the first portion is in the form ofa pair of flanges (see 956, 958 of FIG. 43) that form a slot that isable to receive the portion of the upper brace member 186″ therein, withthe first portion and the upper brace member secured to each other byone or more fastening elements that are received in apertures (see, forexample, 963 of FIGS. 43 and 44). The upper end may be provided with asecond portion to which a second transverse upper brace member 186″ maybe connected. In some embodiments, the second portion may be in the formof a flange that includes at least one transverse aperture that receivesa fastening element that is used to connect the second portion of thepost to a second brace member 186″. In an illustrative embodiment, thesecond portion is in the form of a pair of flanges (see 957, 959 ofFIGS. 43, 44), that form a slot that is able to receive a portion of thesecond upper brace member 186″ therein, with the second portion and thesecond upper brace member secured to each other by one or more fasteningelements that are received in apertures (see, for example 961, 963 ofFIGS. 43, 44).

Similarly, the lower end of frame post 950′ includes a third portion anda fourth portion to which third and fourth transverse lower bracemembers may be connected (see, for example, 954, 971 a and 971 b of FIG.43). In an illustrative embodiment, the third portion is in the form ofa pair of flanges (see, 972, 974 of FIG. 43) that form a slot that isable to receive the portion of the lower brace member 184″ therein, withthe portion and the lower brace member secured to each other by one ormore fastening elements that are received in apertures (see, forexample, 978 of FIGS. 43 and 44). In an illustrative embodiment, thefourth portion is in the form of a pair of flanges (see, for example973, 975 of FIG. 43), that form a slot that is able to receive a portionof the second lower brace member 184″ therein, with the second portionand the second lower brace member secured to each other by one or morefastening elements that are received in apertures (see, for example, 979of FIG. 43). In an illustrative embodiment a platform 185 (FIG. 42) maybe supported by one or more lower brace members 184″. The lower bracemember may also provide support for a flange 189″ that is attachedthereto (FIGS. 63 and 65) and which can serve as an attachment point fora cowl 810′.

The frame post 950′ of FIGS. 63 and 65 may include a fifth portion and asixth portion, located between the first and second ends, with the fifthand sixth portions configured and arranged to be connected tofreestanding wings or winglets 206′, 210′ that form parts of two balesupport assemblies (see, for example, 967 a, 967 b, of FIGS. 43, 44).The wings or winglets 206′ and 210′ are secured to a frame post 950′ byone or more fastening elements such as threaded screws (FIGS. 63, 65).As with other embodiments, the wings or winglets 206′ and 210′ may bestabilized by a transverse gusset 214′ that is removably connected tothe wings by one or more fastening elements. The fifth portion maycomprise a single flange or it may comprise a pair of flanges (see, forexample, 980, 982 a and 982 b of FIG. 43) that define two slots that areable to receive the portions of a wing 206′ (984 of FIG. 43). Note thatthe wing 206′ includes an embodiment of a guide rail 216′ that includesseparate parallel rails 217 a′, 217 b′ that each includes an overlyingretainer strip 217 c′, 217 d′. The parallel rails, retainer strips, anda portion of the wing form channels that are configured to receive thefeet 231 of a follower 230 (discussed above and at FIGS. 3d and 3e )that carries a biasing element 232. In an illustrative embodiment, anend 233′ of biasing element 232 is attached to tab 183′, which islocated adjacent an upper rail of guide rail 216′. In order to achieve astrong connection between a wing and a frame post, a relief notch isprovided between adjacent flanges (see, for example, 982 a and 982 b ofFIG. 43). The relief notch receives a portion of a guide rail that isattached to a wing. Further, the frame post 950′ itself may be providedwith its own relief notch that can receive an end of the guide rail,thus further strengthening the tower assembly construction (see, forexample, 986 b of FIG. 42). In use, a wing 206′ is inserted into theslots and secured to the flanges by fastening elements that are receivedin one or more apertures. Similarly, the sixth portion comprises flanges(see, for example, 981, 983 a and 983 b of FIG. 44) that define twoslots that are able to receive portions of a second wing 210′. Note thatthe second wing includes an embodiment of a guide rail 218′ thatincludes separate parallel rails 219 a′, 219 b′ that each includes anoverlying retainer strip 219 c′, 219 d′. The parallel rails, retainerstrips and a portion of the wing form channels that are configured toreceive the feet 231 of a follower 230 (discussed above and at FIGS. 3dand 3e ) that carries a biasing element 232. In an illustrativeembodiment, an end 233′ of biasing element 232 is attached to tab 183′,which is located adjacent an upper rail of guide rail 218′. In order toachieve a strong connection between a second wing and a frame post, arelief notch is provided between adjacent flanges (see, for example, 983a and 983 b of FIG. 44). The relief notch receives a portion of a guiderail that is attached to the second wing. Further, the frame post 950′itself may be provided with its own relief notch that can receive an endof a guide rail, thus further strengthening the tower assemblyconstruction (see, for example 987 b of FIG. 42). In use, the secondwing 210′ is inserted into the slots (see, for example 985 of FIG. 44)and secured to the flanges by fastening elements that are received inone or more apertures.

The second or lower end of the post 950′ may include an enlarged bottomthat forms a foot 990′ (FIG. 63). The foot may include an aperture 992′so that the post 950′ may be connected to a support by way of afastening element such as a threaded fastener. As will be understood,the support to which a post may be attached can be a base such as thebase 120 of previous embodiments. Alternatively, the support may be animmovable object such as a building or a movable object such as avehicle. Other supports may be used without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. In some embodiments, a frame post 950 mayinclude an outwardly opening channel 994′ (FIG. 65) that extends alongthe longitudinal length of the post and which is bordered by outwardlyfacing surfaces such as surfaces 953 a and 953 b of FIGS. 43 and 44. Thechannel 994′ can be used as an attachment point for accessories or otherancillary equipment. In some embodiments, the channel may have aT-shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, the channel may be used tostore a portion of an outrigger. In an illustrative embodiment, a post950′ may include a plurality of outwardly extending ribs 996′ and 998′,997′ and 999′ that may serve as attachment points for one or moreprotective cowls.

Although the descriptions of the exemplary embodiments have been quitespecific, it is contemplated that various modifications could be madewithout deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be limited by theappended claims rather than by the description of the illustrativeembodiments.

The following is claimed:
 1. A bale latch for use in retaining adjacentsegments of a chained section of segments in a close fittingrelationship when wound on a bale comprising: a body having first andsecond spaced apart substantially flat faces; the body including anattachment section for attaching the body to a first segment and anengagement section for latching the first segment to a second adjacentsegment, both the attachment section and the engagement section locatedwholly between the first and second flat faces of the body; theattachment section including first and second spaced apart legspositioned side by side with one another, each leg having an end, thelegs being wholly between the first and second flat faces, extending insubstantially the same direction and attachable to the first segment ofthe chained section to attach the body to the first segment; theengagement section including an elongated member with spaced apart firstand second arcuate edges which converge to define a tip, the secondarcuate edge constructed and arranged to engage and latch with thesecond segment; and the first and second legs being oriented transverseto the first and second arcuate edges.
 2. The bale latch of claim 1wherein the curvature of the second arcuate edge of said engagementsection increases as it converges with the first arcuate edge at thetip.
 3. The bale latch of claim 1 wherein one of said legs of theattachment section is constructed and arranged to be resilient so as toselectively, elastically move between a rest position and a deflectedposition, said deflected position changing the distance between the endsof the first and second legs.
 4. The bale latch of claim 1 and whereinthe attachment section further includes a panel receiving notchpositioned between the second leg and the second arcuate edge of theengagement section.
 5. The bale latch of claim 4 wherein the panelreceiving notch is oriented transversely to the second arcuate edge. 6.The bale latch of claim 5 wherein one of said legs of the attachmentsection is constructed and arranged to be resilient so as toselectively, elastically move between a rest position and a deflectedposition, said deflected position changing the distance between the endsof the first and second legs.
 7. The bale latch of claim 6 wherein atleast one of said legs of the attachment section has a catch at the endof such leg.
 8. The bale latch of claim 1 wherein at least one of saidlegs of the attachment section has a catch at the end of such leg.
 9. Animproved bale latch apparatus usable with extendable and retractablesupport columns comprising: a multiplicity of segments pivotally mountedrelative to one another to form a chained section; a bale positionedadjacent the chained section and rotatably mounted for movement about acentral axis, the bale constructed and arranged to allow themultiplicity of pivotally mounted segments to wind onto and off of thebale as the bale rotates about the central axis in a first and seconddirection, respectively, and the segments forming layers when wound ontothe bale; a bale latch for use in retaining segments wound on to thebale when the segments are wound in a close fitting relationship aboutthe bale and segments are located at different distances from thecentral axis of the bale, the bale latch comprising: a body having firstand second spaced apart substantially flat faces; the body including anattachment section for attaching the body to a first segment of thechained section and an engagement section for latching the first segmentto a second segment of the chained section, the second segment spacedoutwardly a predetermined distance from the bale central axis, thepredetermined distance being greater than the first segment's distancefrom the central axis; both the attachment section and the engagementsection located wholly between the first and second flat faces of thebody; the attachment section including first and second spaced apartlegs positioned side by side with one another, each leg having an end,the legs being wholly between the first and second flat faces, extendingin substantially the same direction and attached to the first segment ofthe chained section to attach the body to the first segment; theengagement section including an elongated member with spaced apart firstand second arcuate edges which converge to define a tip, the secondarcuate edge constructed and arranged to engage and latch with thesecond segment of the chained section; and the first and second legsbeing oriented transverse to the first and second arcuate edges.
 10. Thebale latch apparatus of claim 9 wherein the curvature of the secondarcuate edge of the elongated member increases as it converges with thefirst arcuate edge at the tip.
 11. The bale latch apparatus of claim 9wherein one of said legs of the attachment section is constructed andarranged to be resilient so as to selectively, elastically move betweena rest position and a deflected position, said deflected positionchanging the distance between the ends of the first and second legs. 12.The bale latch apparatus of claim 9 wherein the attachment sectionfurther includes a panel receiving notch positioned between the secondleg and the second arcuate edge of the engagement section.
 13. The balelatch apparatus of claim 12 wherein the panel receiving notch isoriented transversely to the second arcuate edge.
 14. The bale latchapparatus of claim 13 wherein one of said legs of the attachment sectionis constructed and arranged to be resilient so as to selectively,elastically move between a rest position and a deflected position, saiddeflected position changing the distance between the ends of the firstand second legs.
 15. The bale latch apparatus of claim 14 wherein atleast one of said legs of the attachment section has a catch at the endof such leg.
 16. The bale latch apparatus of claim 9 wherein at leastone of said legs of the attachment section has a catch at the end ofsuch leg.
 17. The bale latch apparatus of claim 9 wherein said firstsegment is spaced from the second segment along the chained section withat least one additional segment of the chained section being locatedbetween the first and second segments of the chained section.
 18. Animproved bale latch apparatus usable with extendable and retractablesupport columns comprising: a multiplicity of segments pivotally mountedrelative to one another to form a chained section; a bale positionedadjacent the chained section and rotatably mounted for movement about acentral axis, the bale constructed and arranged to allow themultiplicity of pivotally mounted segments to wind onto and off of thebale as the bale rotates about the central axis in a first and seconddirection, respectively, and the segments forming layers when wound ontothe bale; a bale latch for use in retaining the segments wound about thebale in close fitting relationship about the bale when the layeredsegments are located at different distances from the central axis of thebale, the bale latch comprising: a body having first and second spacedapart faces; the body including an attachment section attached to afirst segment of the chained section and an engagement section forlatching the first segment to a second segment of the chained section,the second segment being spaced outwardly a predetermined distance fromthe bale central axis, the predetermined distance being greater than thefirst segment's distance from the central axis, both the attachmentsection and the engagement section located wholly between the first andsecond faces of the body; the engagement section including an elongatedmember with spaced apart first and second edges which converge to definea tip, the second edge constructed and arranged to engage and latch withthe second segment of the chained section.
 19. The bale latch apparatusof claim 18 wherein the attachment section includes first and secondspaced apart legs positioned side by side with one another, each leghaving an end, each leg extending in substantially the same directionand attached to the first segment of the chained section to attach thebody to the first segment.
 20. The bale latch apparatus of claim 18wherein the first and second edges of the elongated member are arcuate.21. The bale latch apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first and secondedges of the elongated member are arcuate and the curvature of thesecond arcuate edge of said elongated member increases as it convergeswith the first arcuate edge at the tip.
 22. The bale latch apparatus ofclaim 18 wherein the first segment is spaced from the second segmentalong the chained section with at least one additional segment of thechained section being located between the first and second segments ofthe chained section.